Speaking exlcusively to The Roar’s new Rugby League World Cup podcast, World Cup Chasers, Graham said that England coach Shaun Wane would be setting up his side with the intent of winning, even if the bookies have the hosts at around $8 to pick up the trophy.
“Expectation wise, imagine Shaun Wane’s expectation is: we lift the trophy,” sid Graham. “That’s it. That’s got to be the expectation.
“How you get there is a different story. That’s about growing the belief within the camp.”
Graham, who holds England’s all time appearances record, played in the 2008, 2013 and 2017 World Cups, and captained the side to a series victory over New Zealand in 2018, their last Test series on home soil.
He said that home advantage, a battle-hardened middle and experienced outside backs would be the key to causing an upset.
“The long-term expectation is to win the trophy, we use our strengths: like the crowd, like the forward pack, like the classy touches out wide,” he said.
“I’m excited. I’m not going to get too carried away because it’s going to be a very difficult tournament and you need the stars to align sometimes but I’ve got the upmost confidence that this England team.
“Though the team hasn’t been picked yet, the potential is there to go all the way. They’ve got to get some things right. There’s got to be improvements from the midseason test against the Combined Nations All Stars, but there’s some handy additions to add to that from over here.
“That’s where Shaun Wane’s expectations will be but it’s baby steps.”
World Cup Chasers is our new Rugby League World Cup podcast and will be released weekly all the way through to the final at Old Trafford in November.
It will feature exclusive interviews and expert analysis from The Roar rugby league writers Mike Meehall Wood and Mary Konstantopolous, as well as Michael Carbone from Chasing Kangaroos, the original international rugby league podcast.
The first episode with James Graham is available now on all podcast platforms and via this link.