I don't see why we shouldn't be optimistic. We were a whisker away from beating both Australia and NZ in the games last year and We've just beaten NZ in a test series.

We have a very good squad and depth in most positions. IMO if we had a JT or SJ we would already be the #1 side in the world. The challenge for us is developing from a good team to one with that little bit of magic to pull a play out of the hat when it really matters.

What he said.

We had a better kicking game today but we still need 2 decent centres and half backs to compete with OZ/NZ best offerings.

They beat the Aussies in the Four Nations final last year and have won three of the last five FNs and WC finals.

England were also missing players. It's worth remembering that England's 2nd XVII when everyone is fit probably looks something like:

1. Tomkins S
2. Burgess
3. Cudjoe
4. Shenton
5. Lineham
6. Williams
7. Smith
8. Cooper
9. Hodgson
10. Hill
11. Farrell
12. Ablett
13. Cuthbertson

14. Burrow
15. Huby
16. Savelio
17. Ward

It's not exactly a bad side.

Was there a four nations last year?

Yeah remember the Ryan Hall no try against the Aussies in their Blue and Maroon kit? What about the sensational Shaun Johnson in the final?! He made the Aussies look like semi-pros!

You are correct The sensational Shaun Johnson beat several Aussie tacklers to set up Manu Vatuvei's try, and later it was none other than the great Gregory Inglis who was beaten with step, swerve and speed by the sensational Shaun Johnson.

True but England are also missing Sam& George Burgess, Jack Reed, Sam Tomkins.

But more importantly, that was a young England team who are only going to get better.

Hardaker MUST be full back. He's different class to Tomkins in that position. The first two names on the team sheet must be Graham and Hardaker. If Sam Burgess recovers his pue-Union form he's a must too. All other positions up for grabs.

You can only beat what's in front of you.

This is could be a huge PR boost for RL, especially given the England Union team's crashing and burning out of their international tournament.
Let's just see if the RFL will jump on this horse and ride it

I agree. Some of his defence in this series has been first class, something I've never said about STomkins. Hardaker is better under the high ball too, while they are fairly similar quality on the ball.

Tomkins should replace Widdop in the halves, Widdop needs a big season in 2016 because the only reason I can see for him getting in the team is because he's playing in the NRL.

First thing to do is get the games held at big stadiums. Etihad, St James Park, Wembley. There is a big appetite for international RL in this country.

This has a much different feel.

England have shown great improvement in performance in recent years but have fallen short. Now they have ground out the result and got over the line. They have competition for places, more quality young players coming through and more quality to add to the squad that didn't play. England will kick on from this, it's a stepping stone.