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McNamara still Confident of World Cup Success 6 views 0 Images
07 November 2013 by Englandfan
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England coach Steve McNamara concedes his team remain third favourites in the rugby betting to lift the World Cup at the end of the month but believes they can do it if they find their best form.
The hosts were gallant in a 28-20 defeat by Australia in the tournament curtain-raiser before easing to a 42-0 victory over Ireland last weekend.
The vast majority of rugby league fans would have predicted those results before the World Cup began.
England were well fancied to finish second in Group A behind the Kangaroos and they will do just that if they beat Fiji at Hull's KC Stadium on Saturday.
The Fijians will be a step up from Ireland but England know tougher challenges lie ahead. They are likely to have to get past both New Zealand and Australia to lift the trophy for the first time since 1972.
McNamara has great respect for the southern hemisphere giants but has backed his side to cause a shock or two before the tournament is over, a punt that has also proven popular with people who bet on rugby.
"Australia have been the benchmark for years and New Zealand are the current world champions," he said.
"I'm of the same opinion I was before the start of the tournament. I think we've got a squad that is capable of achieving success in this tournament if we perform near our very best."
McNamara should have all 23 members of his squad to choose from for the Fiji match, with Sam Burgess back from suspension and younger brother George set to overcome a knee problem.
The former Bradford Bulls coach wants to see his team prove they can fire both in defence and on attack.
"We have got a squad capable of achieving success but only if it finds that consistency in both sides of the game when it really matters," McNamara added.
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