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Sinfield: It’s do or die for England

Alex Ballards previews England's World cup quarter-final against France

England skipper Kevin Sinfield believes that the Super League play-off system could give his side the edge in Saturday’s World Cup quarter final against France.

The two teams will go head-to-head for a spot in the tournament’s final four and, after making the traditional captain’s run, Leeds veteran Sinfield insisted that his side were fit and ready to get the job done in the clash at the DW Stadium.

“We know it’s do or die,” he said, asserting that the play-off system has played its part in keeping England’s players match fit.

Of coach Steve McNamara’s 23-man squad, only Castleford’s Rangi Chase was not involved in the end-of-season play-offs, while double winners Wigan could have as many as six players appearing on home soil.

Sinfield added: “Thankfully, we’ve got a load of guys in our team that have been though the play-off system recently.

“They’re used to this sort of football and we’ve got plenty of Wigan boys who have been great in the Challenge Cup and the play-offs.

“We’re looking forward to it. We know how tough the French game is going to be and hopefully moving forward what could lie in wait could be really exciting.”

McNamara has made two changes to the 19-man squad on duty for last week’s 34-12 win over Fiji but declined to give any details about his line-up other than to say that winger Josh Charnley will win his fourth cap at the expense of Tom Briscoe.

In addition, Huddersfield centre Leroy Cudjoe will maintain his ever-present record 48 hours after becoming a father.

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