When Tyson Fury outmanoeuvred Wladimir Klitschko to claim the world heavyweight title in 2015, he did so by refusing to fight on his opponent's terms.

It is a lesson Brian McDermott believes England must heed if they are to give themselves the best chance of winning the World Cup this autumn.

"You've got to have a plan that's accurate to British-based players and a team that largely comes from a competition that is very different to the NRL," said the new national team boss.

"You have to have a plan that's specific and not just a general plan. You certainly can't copy what the other nations are doing.

"It won't look the same – and it can't look the same if we intend to go deep into the tournament.

"Tyson Fury beat Wladimir Klitschko in 2015. He was unapologetic in his admission that he didn't have a right hand as strong as Klitschko's. He admitted he wasn't going to stand in front of Wladimir and trade punches – he had to do something different.

"He employed a game plan that Wladimir wasn't used to and got the job done. Take out of that what you will."

England head into the tournament as outsiders following last year's Ashes whitewash at the hands of Australia.

Brian McDermott plans to hit Australia with something different. (Photo: England Rugby League)

placeholder image — Brian McDermott plans to hit Australia with something different. (Photo: England Rugby League)

However, McDermott is convinced they have the tools to rip up the script – provided they learn the lessons from that 3-0 series defeat.

"The gap is bridgeable and the competition is winnable," he said. "I truly believe that.

"But not if you're going to stand in front of Wladimir Klitschko, lie to yourself and say your right hand is as strong as his right hand.

"If anybody is listening to this thinking that I'm saying we can't win, they're not listening. We can win. We can absolutely win. But we have to do some things differently.

Brian McDermott enjoyed a successful spell in charge of the Rhinos. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

"In the Ashes series last year, we pushed them all the way. They were rattled in parts of games but we just didn't do it for long enough.

"With a little bit of smarts, a little bit of concentration when the game gets tired and a specific game plan, I'm more than confident we can get the job done."

England scored just two tries in three games during the Ashes, leading to calls for a more expansive style.

But, while he accepts that they must find a way to unsettle Australia and the rest of their World Cup rivals, that plan will not include throwing the ball around.

England slumped to an Ashes whitewash last autumn. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

"You've got time to adjust at club level and make up for your errors," said McDermott. "You can't play an expansive style at international level."

Jake Connor was a notable absentee for the series against the Kangaroos, overlooked by Shaun Wane despite being named Super League’s Man of Steel.

McDermott made it clear that the Leeds Rhinos half-back is in his plans for the World Cup

"He is, for sure," said the former Rhinos boss. "Absolutely.

"I think the rhetoric and the narrative around Jake was tremendously unfair.

"I understand where Jake comes from in that he's liked by some and disliked by others. We can all sit around the table and debate whether he's a nice person or not – but I don't think that's a fair narrative to be made public.

Jake Connor, pictured, could be set for a recall under Brian McDermott. (Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)

"What nobody can argue is that he's a tremendous player. He's a fantastic player. He's a game-breaker."

McDermott is the most successful coach in Super League history after guiding the Rhinos to four titles but has spent the past few years as an assistant in the NRL.

The 56-year-old, who has less than six months to prepare for the World Cup, insists being based in Australia is no barrier.

"It does pose some challenges but with the internet nowadays I can watch games and see the vision that I need to see," said McDermott.

"I watched enough Super League games already without being England coach. The irony is that even if I were based in the UK, I'd meet the players on Zoom anyway.

"We don't have any scheduled training sessions this week. There are no scheduled meetings this week. The preparation time leading into the first game is very short as well. Anything we'd do, we'd have to do on Zoom anyway.

"It's not ideal preparation for a World Cup – but I don't think any other team is getting any extended period of time together either."

While he declared his interest in staying in the role long-term, McDermott is currently only contracted for the World Cup.

His backroom team has yet to be determined but he dropped a strong hint that his assistants would be NRL-based.

"I've got to get a staff which suits the task ahead," said McDermott.

"If you gave me a contract for five years, I may give you a bit of a different answer. But we've got to do something for the World Cup and I'm only employed until the end of the World Cup.

"I have some thought and concern for British coaches – but we've got to get the job done over here over a short space of time.

"I think everybody would understand that you've just got to make it look as good as it can be and go for the most obvious staff that is going to help you be as good as you can be in a World Cup."