England enter the Four Nations 2011 in a stronger shape than any of their teams in recent history. With a typically powerful forward pack, the English have seen the emergence of several key players in their backline, which may see them become a genuine threat to Australia and New Zealand in the years ahead.
The squad has a number of exciting young talents, with many older members of the squad sticking around for what will most likely be their final series.
The English forward pack is strong, though they will rue the absence of Sam Burgess, who along with James Graham, Jamie Peacock and Adrian Morley would have formed the most potent front row in the tournament.
Another notable absence is that of Joel Tomkins, who’s apparent defection to rugby union club Saracens is believed to be the reason that he has been left out of the squad.
Nevertheless, his brother and play-maker cum fullback Sam, will line up in an English backline with some great young talent.
Sam Tomkins is one of, if not the, star attraction of the European Super League.
The try-scoring machine has yet to score against New Zealand or Australia, but his move to fullback, under coach Steve McNamara, which mirrors his place in Wigan, could see this change during the tournament.
Rangi Chase was brought into the side, with no small amount of controversy.
Qualifying under the ‘residency rule’, Chase had only months earlier declared that he wanted to push his way into the New Zealand squad, before defecting to the country he moved to to play his football.
Despite this, he is a welcome addition to the squad, and put in a man-of-the-match performance in England’s 32-18 warm-up win against France.
English-born Jack Reed, the plasterer cum star Broncos centre, will get his first taste of competition international rugby league, and managed a length of the field try on debut. He will provide some much-needed defensive ability out wide which has been lacking in recent years.
An issue with the England squad is that there are a lot of old bodies, especially in the forward pack, but an exciting young backline and the unsuspected addition of Chris Heighington to fill out the forward pack means a stronger side than last year.
Danger man
Sam Tomkins is England’s best player coming into this tournament. If the forwards can get a good roll on, which on paper they should, then Tomkins should be able to nab a couple of four pointers, and end his non-friendly duck for England.
Defensively sound, and able to move into halfback or five-eighth, Tomkins should not be shown any kind of space.
Indeed, with blistering pace, even in England’s own half, teams will need to be on their toes and try to move up fast (and in unison) on him as he moves across field probing for gaps.
Chances
While England made the final in 2009 with a weaker roster, New Zealand have since made huge strides in almost every area of the pitch, and it will be difficult to overcome them even at home.
They do have a very good recent record against the Kiwis at home, but the loss of Sam Burgess in their engine room is a huge loss. The replacements are far from unable and they should dispatch Wales by some margin.
If the game went for 60 minutes, England would be competitive with Australia, but seem to run out of juice, heavily towards the end which leads to large defeats.
Basically guaranteed third, with a decent chance of stealing a spot in the final.
Squad
Carl Ablett (Leeds Rhinos)
Ryan Bailey (Leeds Rhinos)
Tom Briscoe (Hull FC)
Garreth Carvell (Warrington Wolves)
Rangi Chase (Castleford Tigers)
Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield Giants)
Gareth Ellis (Wests Tigers)
James Graham (St Helens)
Ryan Hall (Leeds Rhinos)
Chris Heighington (Wests Tigers)
Ben Jones-Bishop (Leeds Rhinos)
Jamie Jones-Buchanan (Leeds Rhinos)
Jonny Lomax (St Helens)
Michael McIlorum (Wigan Warriors)
Adrian Morley (Warrington Wolves)
Jamie Peacock (captain) (Leeds Rhinos)
Jack Reed (Brisbane Broncos)
James Roby (St Helens)
Kevin Sinfield (Leeds Rhinos)
Sam Tomkins (Wigan Warriors)
Ben Westwood (Warrington Wolves)
Gareth Widdop (Melbourne Storm)
Jon Wilkin (St Helens)
Kirk Yeaman (Hull FC)
Matches
Round 1
12:30 AM AEDT – Sunday October 30 against Wales at Leigh Sports Village, England – Fox Sports
Round 2
2:30 AM AEDT – Sunday November 6 against Australia at Wembley, England (Note: this is a double header) – Channel Nine
Round 3
5:00 AM AEDT – Sunday November 13 against New Zealand at KC Stadium, England – Fox Sports
john griffiths
Guest
Less International League means more Interest. No matter how you dress it there are realisticly 3 teams who can win . If they collided once every 4 years it would be more meaningfull.
oikee
Guest
Stu, origin is in the middle of the year, which affects nothing, the real problem is the season is to long, so at the end of 26 weeks, you have no time for internationals, this needs to be fixed. The NRL needs to be dropped back to a 20 round comp. Add those extra weeks to internationals so we can build the brand. The Commission needs to sort this out once and for all. I myself feel that the comp is 4 weeks to long, if i can feel this myself, surely someone else must have sense enough to see this. The game would still not lose to much money because you could add extra origin games for NZ and have extra internationals to make up the numbers of games played.
Jo
Guest
Why can't we all get to watch every game on free to air. It is early in morning don't think any one gets up at 12.30am unless there is something like footy on. I miss out on the other game and seeing all the teams and their ability and statiges just cause my husband won't let me have pay tv. not every one can afford it. I'm sure other people would get up to see other countries play our great game. Bring on the footy can go all year round and I would still have the fire
Stu
Guest
How much stronger would the international game be without State of Origin? -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Crayfish
Guest
I remember the Great Britain side's last tour here in 2006 and I remember Yeaman looking an oustanding young player. Since then he has apparently struggled with injuries and poor form, but they say he's back to his best now. I'm looking forward to seeing him play. Furthermore, for the future, young Leeds centre Kallum Watkins is the most naturally classy and gifted outside back I've seen England produce since Jason Robinson. There's plenty of other gifted youngsters coming through at the moment though, if they can keep them together and build them around a hard core of NRL pros (clearly what they're trying to do) I think their prospects look pretty exciting. Hopefully they give a good account of themselves this year and build up well for the World Cup in 2013.
Crayfish
Guest
The fourth slot is awarded to the winner of the host region's qualifying tournament, played the previous year. Wales are in this time around because they won their tournament last year, defeating France in the decider. PNG and France have featured in previous versions.
CizzyRascal
Roar Guru
Jack Reed is a fantastic addition to this side but the other centre position is still a real weakness.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Because they won the qualifying tournament, beating France 12-11 http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/9121415.stm
Jerry
Guest
Were PNG or France in a prior version? I seem to recall at least one of them was.
Josh
Guest
Can anyone answer me why Wales are there?
oikee
Guest
This is Englands chance to see where they stand for the world cup, and to be honest, i think they have the hottest prospect out in the centres ever for a England side, and i for one cant wait to see Jack Reed. This guy is rugby league from head to toes, he is the most exciting prospect since Gary Scofield, and is the reason i am looking forward to watching this 4 nations. England are also missing the Burgess brothers,(and Shenton who is injured) so anything that happens in this 4 nations can be intensified for the World Cup in England, 2013. Australia are favorites, rightly so, but this tournament looks good. Wales, will be better for the outing. Anything under 50 points is a success. Sam Burgess is the ultimate forward, probably the best i have ever seen, a couple of more years he might become a million dollar forward. I rate him this highly.
Steve
Guest
@turbodewed Ignorance is bliss! It's obvious you have no clue of the international game. All matches will be shown live channel 9 are showing the Australian matches Fox will be showing the rest. Of course they will rate do you even have any clue who is playing where it's being played? people over there will watch it and I'm sure most rugby league fans will wake up early and look forward to what should be a great tournament and Darren Lockyers farewell. Next time do some research before actually commenting on something you know nothing about!.
Football United
Guest
yeah look not a fan of 4 nations but i am a major fan of a decent tour that would include games against france, wales and the club sides. Really wish cherry-evens took mcnamara's offer of being a starting 7.
King of the Gorgonites
Roar Guru
Are these games on 9? and what times? shoudl be good to see Wembley hosting games again. back to the gold old days of the roo tours.
M1tch
Roar Guru
I've been saying it for last 3 years, but I do think this is Englands best chance at winning a major tournament, they were competitive up until the 60th min in the 2009 4 nations which was also in England, so playing at home will help. Tomkins, Chase are the big keys, I fear for Sinfield at 6, I think England need a more attacking option with Chase.
Patrick Angel
Roar Guru
Mate, if you drop the four nations you might as well drop internationals all together. They're the only chance developing nations get to test themselves, and it provides a lot of money for development that clubs refuse to pay. The game's been stunted by club rule since it started, and so 116 years later nothing has been done that hasn't really happened organically. I'd go for more internationals, and actually have designated slots rather than trying to organise tournaments and games around club seasons.
turbodewd
Guest
I think this Four Nations should be dropped. Footy season is over. Let us have a break so we are hungry for footy come April. Are these matches shown on TV? Will they rate? Its cricket season for heavens sake!