Scully predicts improvement

Watch England v New Zealand, live on SkySports 2 from 8.30am

By Rob Carragher   Last updated: 14th November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Scully predicts improvement

Sculthorpe: looking for a better display

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Former Great Britain captain Paul Sculthorpe is expecting to see an improved performance from the England team in their semi-final clash with New Zealand, live on SkySports 2 from 8.30am.

In their previous tie last weekend, England had stormed into a 24-8 lead against the Kiwis, before a dismal second half display saw Tony Smith's side capitulate to a 36-24 loss.

Indeed, England have come under intense criticism for their poor form during the World Cup, but with the side having now reached the semi-final stage, Sculthorpe knows that his country cannot afford any more slip-ups.

"It's knock-out rugby now and it's all up to the England players to perform," said the former St Helens star.

"They know they are better than what they've showed so far in the tournament and there's no doubt that they have got to pick their game up and play for the entire 80 minutes and not just for short spells.

"There is no doubt England can bounce back as well because there are a lot of good players in the squad who are due big performances."

'Leaps and bounds'

Many critics have taken England's disappointing displays on the national stage as evidence of the weakness of the Super League, despite a run of five English World Club Challenge champions in recent years.

And whilst Sculthorpe admits that the World Cup has provided a reality check to those detractors of rugby league Down Under, the recently retired loose-forward does not feel that England's failures can reflect the strength of the national league back home.

"You can't judge the standard of the Super league off England's performances in the World Cup," insisted Sculthorpe.

"The game has come on leaps and bounds in this country and the last thing we need is everyone starting to slate it.

"The important thing is that we can't go rubbishing the game over here now and saying how bad it is."

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