The 2017 Rugby League World Cup is nearly upon us. After four years of waiting, rugby league’s primary international competition is back and plenty of fans will be expecting regular contenders New Zealand and Australia to battle it out for glory. If you look below these two rugby giants, though, England are surely in with a decent chance of going all the way to the World Cup final.

Wayne Bennett’s England have been building momentum in recent years and they could go far in the tournament this year. After suffering an agonising last-gasp defeat to the Kiwis in the semi-finals of their home event in 2013, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see a resolute and determined showing from England this time around. That loss at Wembley Stadium hurt badly and Bennett will be demanding revenge.

Mettle, concentration and desire are three traits required to succeed in international rugby league and England have plenty of positive qualities. There are a number of talented names in key positions and although they cannot compete with Australia on a man-by-man basis, England will fancy their chances of gelling as a unit during what could be a memorable few weeks of international rugby.

Defensively, England have been found wanting in the past but Bennett and his coaching staff will have worked tirelessly on the training ground to improve this aspect of their game – and it might pay off. Conceding 28 points in the curtain raiser against a rampant Australian side back in 2013 wasn’t a terrible performance but Bennett will be quietly confident of a much tighter line nowadays.

In Sean O’Loughlin, England have a competent captain at the helm and his experience could prove crucial throughout the tournament. The Wigan Warriors star enjoyed a solid year in Super League and should play a key role for Bennett’s side in the coming weeks. In addition, Luke Gale is in the form of his career and Ryan Hall has an exceptional scoring record – Bennett will expect all three to lead by example.

📝 @Ryan5Hall's try record v Australia 2011 Four Nations: 🏉🏉🏉

2013 World Cup: 🏉

2014 Four Nations: 🏉

2016 Four Nations: 🏉 pic.twitter.com/UmK5ji3Pb2 — England Rugby League (@England_RL) October 23, 2017

England will face Australia in the opening fixture for the second World Cup in a row and the tourists will be up against it in this contest. The Kangaroos will be ready to make a fast start and Bennett knows that this will be very tough indeed. Should Australia slip up later down the road, England – currently valued at +$8.00 in rugby league betting odds to win the World Cup this year – will be ready to pounce.

Because despite that late defeat to New Zealand in 2013, England have the beating of the Kiwis. For neutrals, a disappointing Australia performance on home soil would be the best possible outcome; otherwise it looks like Michael Cheika’s men will be defending their title with relative ease. Wayne Bennett has a talented roster at his disposal and it may be the perfect time for England to announce themselves as major players on the rugby league world stage.