England head coach Steve McNamara has warned his side to be a ‘whole lot better’ when they open their Rugby League World Cup campaign against Australia.
McNamara was speaking after seeing his side fall to a stunning 15-14 loss to Italy in their final warm-up fixture, a result which sent out a major warning ahead of the clash with Kanagaroos.
I’m sure we will be a whole lot better for it next week.
Steve McNamara
“I’m really disappointed,” said a stunned McNamara. “We’ve certainly not played anywhere near what we are capable of. That’s quite clear to see.
“I just think our mentality was really wrong for this game. We were probably guilty of looking towards next week and we took our eye off this game. I don’t think we were fully focused.
“I’m glad it happened this week and not next, but this was unacceptable. I’m sure we will be a whole lot better for it next week.”
Hosts England open the World Cup against Australia in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff next Saturday.
England are 7/1 to win the World Cup, with Australia 1/3 and holders New Zealand 4/1.
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