Wales head coach Warren Gatland has warned George North that he is not guaranteed to start against England in the Six Nations opener.

Liam Williams impressed in the 12-6 victory over South Africa in November when North was absent with concussion, and Gatland has hinted that it may be difficult for the latter to force his way back into the side for next Friday's match in Cardiff.

"We will see how training goes, but if you are a player who has won against South Africa and started the game it's sometimes difficult to be dropped," Gatland told reporters.

"We won't sit down as a coaching team until next Monday or Tuesday and start talking about a team.

"It's early in the week and we will see how players front up. It's a nice position for us to be in and we have options."

North has scored 95 points in 45 appearances for Wales.