England have been backed to silence their doubters and launch an explosive Rugby League World Cup campaign, with captain George Williams leading the charge against Tonga.
Former England prop Scott Taylor believes Brian McDermott’s men have the firepower to make an immediate statement when they kick off their campaign against the Pacific heavyweights today.
The new Hull FC assistant, who won four England caps and featured in the 2017 World Cup Down Under, has urged England to embrace their underdog status and prove their critics wrong.
Reigning world champions Australia opened the 10-team tournament with an epic victory over New Zealand on Thursday, while 2022 finalists Samoa made their own statement by thrashing France 78-4.
With the semi-finals looming immediately after the group stages, defeat to Tonga could be fatal to England’s chances of making the last four.
“I’m expecting England to come out firing,” said Taylor.
“When you look at the team named, that starting 13 – there’s so much quality there.
“They’re being written off, especially in Australia by a lot of people, and I’m hoping they come out firing, with a bit of a chip on their shoulder, and put up a big performance against a Tonga side that are being tipped to do well and beat England.”
England were drawn in Group B but will face Group C opponents France and Papua New Guinea under the tournament’s inter-group format, with the top two sides progressing to the semi-finals.
Taylor expects McDermott’s side to rise to the occasion, insisting they must make their mark from the opening whistle.
“If they lose the game on Saturday, it could be curtains already, depending on other results,” he said.
“It’s a massive opening game and a must-win from the opening whistle.
“I’m expecting England to come out explosive and to prove a point.”
All eyes will be on Williams as he leads England into battle, with Sydney Roosters utility Hugo Savala, Canterbury Bulldogs prop Max King and Wigan Warriors winger Zach Eckersley poised to make their England debuts against Tonga.
Taylor has backed Dolphins-bound half-back Williams to rise to the occasion, believing his experience and leadership could prove decisive.
McDermott has opted for Williams and Harry Smith in the halves, leaving Mikey Lewis out of the starting combination, while Jake Connor missed out on the travelling squad altogether.
Taylor knows Williams well, having shared a room with the now-England skipper during the 2017 World Cup campaign, and believes the current squad has the experience to deliver when it matters most.
“George was my roommate for nine weeks in 2017,” he said.
“He was obviously a lot younger then and struggled to get into the team, but over time he has cemented himself as the best half-back in England by far.
“He is the best English half-back in my opinion and captains the country, and rightly so. He’s got so much experience of playing in World Cups.
“Ben Currie, who came and played all the games after an injury in 2017, and Kallum Watkins were massive for us in the centres in that tournament.
“All that experience is massive. On top of that, there are players in there that have played in massive games, and played in the Ashes last year.
“Brad O’Neill played against Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge against the best of the best.
“Herbie Farnworth is the best in the world in the position he plays.
“There’s more than enough experience there to get us over the line, I’m sure.”