George Williams embraces England underdogs tag at start of 'mad' World Cup

The England captain has branded the tournament's set-up "mad" as his side prepare to launch their campaign against a Tonga team he believes will start as favourites.

With no quarter-finals and no opportunity to face the other teams in their own group, the route to the last four is an unusual one.

Australia and New Zealand are expected to progress from Group A, leaving England, Tonga and Samoa to fight it out for the remaining two semi-final places. That puts added significance on Saturday's opener in Perth.

Williams knows the size of the challenge awaiting his side but insists they are up to it.

"It's a mad set-up," he said on the eve of the match at HBF Park.

"I don't know how they've worked it out with no quarter-finals but we've just got to win our games and do our job. It starts tomorrow.

"We'll probably go into the match as underdogs. Tonga are a stacked team and have been for a number of years now.

"We'll be underdogs and have that brush on our head. We need to bring our game tomorrow night against a great team.

"It's a massive test in front of us but I think we're ready."

The clash with the powerful Tongans marks the start of Brian McDermott's reign as England head coach.

The former Leeds Rhinos boss, who replaced Shaun Wane in April, has pledged that his side will play with a "point of difference" after failing to truly challenge Australia during last year's resounding Ashes defeat.

Williams believes there will be a noticeable shift in England's approach, although he is not giving too much away before the opening game.

"It's definitely been different," said the 31-year-old.

"I'm not going to tell you all the tricks but it's been different and enjoyable. The group have all bought into what he wants us to do and hopefully you'll all see that when we play against Tonga.

"Don't be expecting this mad expansive style of free-for-all but we're going to put some stuff in there that we've not done previously."

England's recent World Cup story is one of missed opportunities, none more so than the golden-point defeat to Samoa on home soil in 2022.

That painful memory remains a source of motivation for Williams, who knows this could be his final chance to lead England to international glory.

"The one in the last World Cup was probably the most difficult loss of my career to date," he said.

"It does sit there. You can't hide away from what's happened but it can give you drive and motivation.

"At 31, the next one I'll be nearly 36 and that makes me a very old man so this potentially is my last one. Hopefully not.

"These opportunities you can't miss."