London: The head of English Rugby League has praised the contribution of Wayne Bennett after informing him his England coaching contract would not be renewed.

England ended its experiment with the seven-time Premiership-winner by hiring former Wigan coach Shaun Wane on a two-year deal that will take in the World Cup in 2021.

Wayne Bennett on duty for England. Credit:Getty

Bennett, who became only England's second foreign-born coach when taking over in 2016, led the team to the World Cup final in 2017.

He wanted to stay on to the 2021 tournament, which is being held in England, but was not offered a new contract after his last one expired at the end of last year.