Fox grateful for second shot

Fox: Recalled to England

If you are picked you have to perform on the day, if not you've got to keep your head up and help the other lads

Peter Fox
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Winger Peter Fox has revealed he owes the England's backroom staff for his recall to the national side for the key Gillette Four Nations showdown against New Zealand.

Fox, who was excluded from the World Cup squad in 2008 despite a notable season for his club Hull KR, was reportedly "shattered" when late call-up Tom Briscoe replaced him for the opening Four Nations game against France.

England assistant coach Steve McNamara and former Great Britain full-back Kris Radlinski were on hand to console the former Leeds and Wakefield flier, who has been compensated with a spot in the team that will take on the Kiwis at Huddersfield.

"It was good they were there," said Fox.

"They took me to one side and helped me through it.

"They just told me how to be after the disappointment - to be positive and help the team - and I took their advice.

"Tony (Smith) picks what he thinks is the best team and the players have got to respond to that.

"If you are picked you have to perform on the day, if not you've got to keep your head up and help the other lads."

Head coach Smith has removed Briscoe in favour of Fox to break up the right-sided defence that Australia infiltrated with ease in the first half of England's defeat at Wigan, with Fox receiving the news of his recall on his 25th birthday.

Axed

Warrington's Chris Bridge will partner Fox at centre, taking over from Wasps-bound Lee Smith, while St Helens utility player Kyle Eastmond will make his debut start for England at half-back in place of axed Danny McGuire.

Smith has appointed four forwards on the bench, with Jon Wilkin called up having not played an England match since the World Cup.

"He's always full of energy and I think he'll bring that to us from the bench," said Smith.

"He's got some ball-playing ability as well and we want to add that to the team. We want to play to our strengths.

"Jon's got a good kicking game as well. He's been very patient waiting for his opportunity."

Smith has once again shown a brutal streak in his selections, dropping Scott Moore and Richie Myler after the first game, but skipper Jamie Peacock is fully behind his tactics.

"Smithy's always been like that," said Peacock.

"Throughout his career he's not been afraid of chopping and changing the team.

"I think the whole point of having a 24-man squad is that all 24 can play. I think it's a great team.

"There is some pace there and it's good to see the talent that has come through Super League getting a chance on the big stage."