Exiles will offer vital test for England, says Hall

Given they are a host nation ahead of this autumn’s tournament and have not lifted the trophy in more than 40 years, it would be easy to believe pressure might slowly intensify on Steve McNamara’s side.

But, as they prepare to face the Exiles tonight in their only competitive match before the event begins, Hall insists their coach has created a relaxed environment in which to prosper.

“Steve Mac is doing a great job building towards it,” said the Yorkshireman, who has scored 13 tries in 17 England games so far.

“He is not letting anyone forget that the World Cup is coming, but he’s gone about it in the right way too.

“He’s sold it to us to get excited, not nervous, and that’s how we need to go into this Exiles game as well. It is a really important game for us.

“We’ve got a crucial year with the World Cup at the end of it and we’re not going to hide behind anything.

“We know we’ve got what it takes to go win that competition and this is a vital game in building towards that.

“We need to perform well more than anything and we’re grateful the Exiles game is there designed to push us to our limits.”

The International Origin fixture at Warrington sees England take on Super League’s finest overseas talent in a one-off fixture which it is hoped will thoroughly examine the hosts’ capabilities.

Although it was a two-game series last year, the quality fell away in the second outing at Huddersfield due to a raft of withdrawals and problems squeezing it into the hectic schedule.

The Exiles won the inaugural contest 16-12 in Leeds two years ago and the concept has now reverted to that format.

Hall, rated the world’s best winger, admitted: “I did like it better in 2011 because that first game played at Headingley was a very intense contest played in front of a great crowd.

“We felt really gutted that we lost and didn’t get the trophy – that’s how it should be if you lose – but in the second year a lot was weighted on the first game.

“We won that at Saints but in the second match Steve made some changes and, whatever people want to say about that, it was less intense. I don’t think the fans bought into it as much but this will be a high-class game with winner-takes-all. We’re ready for that.”