England's 30-8 defeat to Australia in the Four Nations final has left fans questioning whether the team can ever bridge the gap to the southern hemisphere giants. Despite an impressive victory over New Zealand earlier in the tournament, the host nation were outclassed by the Kangaroos at Elland Road, with coach Steve McNamara's long-term plan focused on the 2013 World Cup facing scrutiny.
Before the match, confidence was high in the England camp. Three hours before kick-off, the dressing room was buzzing with adrenalin and belief, as music blared and players prepared. McNamara told the BBC he was 'very' confident, predicting 'an exciting evening'. However, former Great Britain centre Keith Senior noted on BBC Radio 5 live that England seemed to forget their previous good work and suddenly realised they were playing 'the mighty Australia'.
Key players struggled under pressure. Full-back Sam Tomkins was targeted under the high ball, while the half-back pairing of Rangi Chase and Kevin Sinfield failed to click. The kicking game, so effective against New Zealand, was unreliable, with four different kickers used in the opening sets. Senior criticised England for giving too much respect to Australia's stars, allowing Darren Lockyer and Johnathan Thurston to play 'in their dinner jackets'.
Australia's class was evident throughout, with Thurston producing a man-of-the-match display despite carrying an injury. Lockyer's farewell game ended with him scoring the final try, earning a standing ovation from the English crowd. Coach Tim Sheens said Australia's outside backs were the difference against 'a very good' England side, but the visitors dominated all over the park.
Despite the defeat, McNamara remains optimistic. He pointed out that England entered the tournament as third favourites, beat the world champions, and scared the eventual winners. The profile of the international game has risen through the Four Nations, with increased media coverage. McNamara's matter-of-fact approach and hope for the future suggest England are on an upward curve, but questions remain about whether they can finally break their cycle of near misses.
