Generally successful teams, in any sport, are built on continuity. No doubt some players over the next 4 years will push their way into the squad but, in theory anyway, 75% of the players that played in this years WC will be even better come 2017.

Look at the Australian team. At least 75% of that team have been in the test team for the last 4 years and they have added the odd few such as Fifita and Papali. DCE played on the Four Nations tour in 2011, albeit only against Wales, but now look at him, arguably the best number 7 in the world.

Players need the opportunity to gain experience at International level so it is no good getting to 2017 and throwing loads of players into World Cup Squad.

I dont think it would be beyond the realms of possibility for Peter Wallace to appear in the squad either.

When I first read this thread I thought go for the new broom approach, but I now agree with Smokey - go all out to be as good as possible for the Tri Nations next year. Giving the Aussies a real go in a big game will do more for the credibility of the international game here than anything else.

In terms of changes, Reed would be a better attacking option than Cudjoe, who also seems prone to errors. Apart from that the only change I'd look at in the backs is if Tomkins moves to 6/7 for the Warriors, then I'd make the same move for England with someone like Hardaker at the back.

What we do need to dig up are better reserve forwards. ATM we have Roby, Graham, 2 x Burgess, Hill and O'Loughlin who are definitely of the required quality. IMO we need at least another two standout forwards, because the others are passable at best. Hopefully T Burgess can kick on, but we really need another second row and prop on the bench better than we had in the WC.

We also desperately need a better reserve hooker, although it would be ideal if Roby could modify his game/pace himself to play for 80 minutes.

If everyone is fit, there's no reason why England can't at least be competitive for several years. But we do need to recognise that in some areas we just aren't good enough yet - decision making under pressure, error rates, kicking game are all areas where England need to be better. We also need to recognise that out of the WC squad, there are some very definite weak links which need to be plugged.

If only McNamara's call to Cherry-Evans had gone differently....

Unlike the World Cup, the Tri/Four Nations often see's a couple of players withdraw to rest injuries or have minor op's in time for the new season. Along with a couple of players north of 30 perhaps calling it a day if they want to concentrate on their remaining club careers. So that should open up a few spots for newer faces in the squad in 2014.

True, the number of players playing with heavy strapping would suggest that had it been any tournament other than the world cup then there would have been some significant absences.
Inglis & Slater to name but two.

Watkins and O'Loughlin for England too. Think Tomkins had a bandage or two on as well and Widdop may not have pushed himself so hard to return from his hip injury.