England Show World Cup Hand

By RLP 28/6/2008

The "new" England got off to a great start in Toulouse by defeating France 56 - 8. France started off well and at half time the score was respectable at 8 - 16 in England's favour. The fitness levels of the French players stepping up from the Elite competition showed in the second half, allowing England to run away with the game.

England have continued with the winning momentem created by Great Britain's whitewash of New Zealand in last year's test series. Tony Smith's men will be full of confidence going into the World Cup. England have one more game against Wales before the World Cup on October 10. If England put on the same performance, Wales will be looking at a similar scoreline.England will be favourites to beat Papua New Guinea in their first World Cup match on 25th October. England's second World Cup game against Australia in Melbourne on the 2nd of November is shaping up to be the game of the Super Pool. Melbourne's weather is usually comparable to the North of England and will suite England if the Australian summer comes late. This will be one game where Australia might be a bit battered and bruised from playing the Kiwis the week before. If there was ever a game where England could ambush the Kangaroos, this is it.

The Rugby Football League (RFL) have been working hard behind the scenes to give England every opportunity to win the World Cup for the first time as "England". This year the RFL appointed Tony Smith as the first full time coach of the England team. Tony has been charged with putting a team together that can seriously mount a challange for World Cup glory. The RFL have also moved the Super League season forward to give Tony Smith's men more time to prepare for the World Cup. The RFL have also realised that more depth is required in the English playing ranks. To assist with this they have reduced the amount of overseas players in the Super League to give more opportunities to home grown players.

Great Britain showed what's possible in the 2006 Tri-Nations when they defied the odds and beat Australia convincingly 23 - 12 in Sydney. Going into to the game Great Britain had lost the week before against New Zealand. Australia were firm favourites to win but Great Britain performed at their best and Australia had no answer. It was the first time Great Britain had beaten Australia on Australian soil since 1988. It was a shining light in a disappointing Tri-Nations campaign for Great Britain. With half the English team involved in that 2006 Tri-Nations victory, that experience will be very valuable come the 2nd of November 2008.

There is no denying that England are going into the 2008 World Cup in great shape. If they can keep their best players injury free and overcome the mental barriers that have pulled them in the past, England might just bring the World Cup home. The RFL and Tony Smith have given England every chance of success. It is now up to the players to show their World Cup hand.

England's 2000 World Cup Results