I know there is alot of negativity surrounding England at the moment- especially after the performance against the french last night and against wales last week. Im afraid I am about to build upon this negativity .

I dont know who's fault it is, but England Rugby League, is not 'up to it'. Looking at the 17 last night- yes it contained some very talented individuals and we had a reasonably impressive pack. But when I watch that england team, I dont feel excited nor enthrilled, they seem to play at a training-session pace with no desire to win the game and play for their country. For the first time in a while, when I look at the Australian squad (aswell as certain areas of the Kiwi squad), I am scared... Scared for that the second year on the run, we, England, are going to be humiliated. Only this time the embarresment shall take place in our own 'back yard', so to speak. To be perfectly honest, we have no depth. Either one of the State of Origin sides would have put 50+ past that England team last night.

Discuss?

S.Briscoe
T.Briscoe
Smith
Shenton
Hall
Tomkins
Myler
Peacock
Roby
Morley
Burgess
Ellis
Sinfield

Eastmond
Graham
Carvell
Westwood

Simple... the 2 most creative half-backs play, Eastmond showed glimpses last night but needs more game-time and an extra forward on the bench

I kept saying to my dad last night the lack of enthusiasim was my main worry. The side should have been chomping at the bit to prove the doubters wrong after the world cup fiasco but alot of them looked half hearted last night. The line speed in defence was appaling and the Franch were time and again making huge yards forward.

The first 10 minutes next week will say alot. I'd expect to see an England side fired up like no other and really go hunting the Aussies in defence but i just can't see it.

They'll probably raise the White flag around the 7 minute mark after conceding their first 90 metre try.

Unlikely with Tony Smith in charge.

Only thing i expect when we play Australia is Smith mumbling the Australian National anthem when they play it and keeping his bob shut during ours. Just as he did last year in the World Cup games.

Don't keep too close an eye on Smith, if he turns round quick he'll take your eye out.

noticed he does a lot of that he cant look anyone in the eye for more than 2 seconds.

That'll be his criminal ancestry showing through.

we're going to need a bigger boat.

Seeing we have an Australian coach could we not borrow some second tier Australian and N.Z players we might have a chance then.

tbh if things continue to develop in the same way they have in the past 12 months, france will end up ahead of us.

Can we not employ the chef that fed the Tottenham players a few years ago, to cook for the Aussies this week?

You are Edmund Blackadder, and i claim my £5