Sonny Bill Williams surprised himself with his explosive return to Test rugby against the United States but says it gives him no guarantee of an All Blacks slot against England.

Williams hobbled off in the 58th minute of the 74-6 rout in Chicago but says his corked thigh injury is not serious.

Before that he scored two tries, had a third disallowed and made a host of incisive bursts.

That included a break and 20m surge with his first touch since leaving Test rugby 27 months ago to resume his NRL career.

The performance hands coach Steve Hansen a choice between Williams and Malakai Fekitoa to partner veteran centre Conrad Smith against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Fekitoa has been a powerhouse in his rookie Test season but the specialist centre has been exposed in defence occasionally at inside centre when he shifted there to replace the injured Ma’a Nonu.

Williams relishes the competition but will accept whatever selection is made.

“There’s talent everywhere in the squad and that’s what makes the All Blacks so good,” he said.

“You can’t let your foot off the gas for one second or someone’s going to take your spot.”

“I’m happy biding my time and just working on those little things.”

The week in camp has made Williams realise how much he’s missed the All Blacks, who he represented 19 times from 2010-12.

He is more confident coming straight into the squad as he has built relationships with most of his teammates previously.

Last time he didn’t know most of them.

“I’d forgotten how much I missed it and how professional it is,” Williams said.

“Every resource is there to improve yourself as a player. I find that really awesome.”