By Rob Carragher Last updated: 14th November 2008
Sculthorpe: looking for a better display
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."
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."

Pictures from Rhinos' victory over Tony Smith's Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Pictures from the World Club Challenge final between Leeds and Manly at Elland Road.
Pictures from Friday night's match where Giants claimed their first league win at Bulls for 40 years.
Pictures from Headingley Carnegie where Leeds and Celtic Crusaders kicked off the new season.
Pictures from Rhinos' victory over Tony Smith's Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Engage Super League | |
| Saturday 4th July | |
| 17:00 | Hull vs Leeds |
| 18:00 | Celtic Crusaders vs Warrington |
| 20:00 | Catalans Dragons vs Hull K R |
| Sunday 5th July | |
| 15:00 | Bradford vs Castleford |
| 15:00 | Huddersfield vs Wakefield |
| Friday 10th July | |
| 20:00 | Wigan vs Catalans Dragons |
| 20:00 | Wakefield vs Leeds |
| Saturday 11th July | |
| 15:00 | Harlequins RL vs Huddersfield |
| 18:00 | Celtic Crusaders vs Salford |
| Sunday 12th July | |
| 15:00 | Hull K R vs Bradford |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Engage Super League | |
| Friday 3rd July | |
| Salford 20 - 10 St Helens | |
| Wigan 40 - 12 Harlequins RL | |
| Sunday 28th June | |
| Hull K R 28 - 36 Wigan | |
| Wakefield 20 - 18 Harlequins RL | |
| Warrington 24 - 12 Hull | |
| Saturday 27th June | |
| Castleford 20 - 22 Catalans Dragons | |
| Friday 26th June | |
| Leeds 33 - 20 Bradford | |
| Salford 10 - 34 Huddersfield | |
| St Helens 30 - 0 Celtic Crusaders | |
| Sunday 21st June | |
| Bradford 18 - 44 St Helens | |
Read what Sky Sports' experts and bloggers have been talking about over the last seven days in sport...
As clubs start planning for 2010, Luke Dorn explains why July can be a nervous month for players.
Ian Millward told Boots 'n' All that it is his ambition to lead Leigh Centurions into the Super League.
Sean Long will be absent for around two months after it was confirmed he suffered a broken jaw in St Helens' 20-10 defeat at Salford
Launch the skysports.com scorecentre for the latest from Saturday's action, or watch Hull v Leeds LIVE on Sky Sports 1/HD1.
Sydney Roosters forward Mark O'Meley has agreed a three-year deal to become Hull's fourth signing for 2010.
Hull FC coach Richard Agar has been forced to make two changes to his squad for Saturday.
Celtic Crusaders chairman Leighton Samuel has dismissed fears over the Welsh Super League outfit's future financial viability.
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