Wayne Bennett wants to be England coach for 2021 World Cup

Wayne Bennett has admitted he would like to extend his contract as England coach and lead the nation at the 2021 World Cup.

The 69-year-old’s current contract as Great Britain and England head coach is due to expire at the end of this year.

Bennett took over from Steve McNamara as England boss in 2016 and has led the country to 10 wins out of 15 games, including the 2017 World Cup final.

On his future as England boss, Bennett commented: “I haven’t discussed it with anyone, I’ve not spoken about new deals.

“I’m just thinking that is best for Great Britain and England at the moment.

“I’ll go home and make another decision. In my own mind, I’d like to be here for the World Cup in 2021.

“The squad is just about here for that. There won’t be a lot of new players coming in for that squad, obviously there might be a couple but their best years are not behind them in the current squad.”

Bennett admitted Great Britain and England will use this year’s tour of the southern hemisphere and next year’s home series against Australia as building blocks ahead of the 2021 World Cup.

He added: “The World Cup is going to be the pinnacle of it all now.

“It’s best if we are at our best so all I’m thinking about at the moment is building towards the World Cup.

“This is probably the year when we have got a bit of give and take but next year against Australia will be more important than this year.

“The team that will probably compete in the World Cup will play next year against Australia.”

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