Bennett to lead England to France

Wayne Bennett’s first game as England coach will be against France at Parc des Sports in Avignon on October 22.

This will be a warm-up game for the English before they open their Four Nations campaign with a clash with New Zealand in Huddersfield a week later.

England and France last faced each other in 2015, ahead of England‘s 2-1 series win over New Zealand.

England won that game at Leigh 84-4, but Bennett anticipates a tougher test for his team this time around.

“I can imagine that they were disappointed with how things went when we met them last year,” he said.

“When you play a side at their stadium and in front of their fans, then things can change.

“There’s a lot of pride on the line and an added pressure of doing your best for your country.

“This is my first opportunity to see the squad in action and I feel an away game is good preparation to see how everyone comes together in a new environment.

“The Four Nations is getting closer and I’m happy with how England’s plans are going so far.”