England boss Shaun Wane desperate to seize opportunity in front of new audience

Rugby league is largely viewed as a game for towns and cities along the M62 corridor but the delayed 2021 tournament has gone into more homes nationwide than ever before with every minute of every match broadcast live on the BBC.

Wane's side have not disappointed in their Saturday afternoon slot, brushing aside Samoa in Newcastle before making light work of France, Greece and Papua New Guinea.

This week, the England juggernaut arrives in London for a first-ever rugby league match at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.

A place in the World Cup final is the prize on offer but Wane is also viewing the Samoa showdown as a chance to win over the locals.

"I love our sport," said Wane ahead of England’s first game in the capital since 2016.

"I think rugby league is the best sport in the world. Not many athletes in the world could do what our athletes do. I want as many eyes on our game as possible.

"I'm really happy to be taking my team down to London to play in front of a huge crowd at Arsenal. Hopefully we perform to our best."

England put on a show in front of a north-east audience at St James' Park on the opening weekend, hammering Group A rivals Samoa 60-6 to lay down an early marker.

Matt Parish's side bounced back from that setback in style to join the hosts in the quarter-finals before seeing off Tonga in a bruising contest last week.

Wane is expecting a different challenge altogether four weeks on from the first meeting between the teams, which shone a light on Samoa’s lack of preparation time together as a group.

"Every single individual player is playing better," said the England boss.

"They were massively underdone and I said that after the game. I know how good their individuals are because I watch all the NRL games and know most of the coaching staff.

"I knew they'd improve massively and that's what has happened."

After seeing England run riot against PNG in the quarter-finals, Wane has made just one change with Luke Thompson replacing fellow prop Matty Lees.

Thompson, who has not played since a strong showing off the bench in the win over France on October 22, has been backed to make an impact at the Emirates Stadium.

"He's a great player and has been for a long time," said Wane.

"He needs to fire up and play the best he can. I'm sure he will."