England need their Sunday best to beat Australia

England's head coach Wayne Bennett directs his players during a training session at Eltham College, London.

That was the stark assessment from coach Wayne Bennett as he prepared his side for their pivotal Ladbrokes Four Nations game.

However, he believes his England side – who struggled before beating minnows Scotland 38-12 – have the ability to prosper.

Asked if he thought they had learned during this tournament, Bennett replied: “I’m not confident about anything, apart from how much ability they’ve got. I want them to play to that ability – that’s the best chance we’ve got.”

England need to win by at least 12 points to guarantee a place in the final, but he added: “We’ve got to win the game. It’s pretty screwed up to start thinking about points difference and it’s not going to help the players.

“They’ve got their hands full trying to beat Australia, let alone how many points we need. That’s the number one thing – otherwise it’s all over for us.”

He said prop James Graham, who missed the Scotland game with a knee injury would play.

“He trained this morning and he’s good,” added Bennett. “It’s important to have him back. He brings a lot. He’ll be good for us.”

Whether Gareth Widdop is recalled after being left out last weekend remains to be seen.

“He’s played 20-odd Tests so he brings a fair bit to the team,” said Bennett, about the player who is vying with Luke Gale and George Williams for half-back places.

“That’s part of the decision I have to make. They all understood why they were left out last week. It wasn’t about form but giving others chance to play.”

England prop Chris Hill has signed a new long-term deal at Warrington Wolves along with colleague Ben Currie, while ex-Bradford Bulls prop Steve Crossley has joined Toronto Wolfpack.