Playing New Zealand in their backyard will be a massive challenge - Owen Farrell

England fly-half Owen Farrell believes the prospect of facing All Blacks at their own backyard will be a challenging task for the British and Irish Lions.

The 41-man Lions squad captained by Sam Warburton headed to Auckland on Monday to feature in a 10-game tour that also includes three Tests against Steve Hansen's men.

The last time Lions headed to New Zealand was in 2005 when Sir Clive Woodward's men suffered a 3-0 series whitewash but Farrell, who will be on his second outing with the red jerseys is confident that they have the resources to beat All Blacks in the upcoming series.

"It's a tough challenge for the squad and a massive tour," he said. "They're obviously the best team in the world so playing them in their back garden is going to be a massive challenge.

"I don't think anybody is going out there just to take part. Everyone firmly believes we're going out to win and that's the way it should be.

"It's a brilliant squad that's going out there, full of world-class players. If we get it right and make sure we're on the same page as soon as possible, I'd imagine this squad would challenge anyone."

Having played most of his game for his club Saracens at number 10, England coach Eddie Jones preferred having Farrell at 12 and when asked on which position he might be seen for Lions, the 25-year-old replied: "It's mix and match, really. There were only 30 of us here last week so a few of us had to fit in here and there.

"I'm easy - that's not up to me to decide. (Fly-half) is where I've played the majority of my rugby but that's not to say I feel more confident. I've played enough of 12 as well. It depends on what other people see me as, not about what I think."