Sinfield: hurtful England divide is now history

Kevin Sinfield: 'That togetherness has not always been there, but this group now is very good' (Getty Images)

Kevin Sinfield has said that it is the togetherness that has sometimes been missing in the past that has boosted England's Four Nations prospects.

The Leeds captain has been one of the stand-outs in a tournament that culminates in a final against Australia at Elland Road on Saturday. But he says that the secret weapon has been a unity within the squad that he admits has not always been there. In particular, tensions between Leeds and St Helens factions at the 2008 World Cup, have often been blamed for England's failure.

"That togetherness has not always been there, but this group now is very good," said Sinfield. "We all get on and this is the most together international group I've been involved in.

"That's made the last five weeks very enjoyable and means that we didn't want it to end last week. We don't really want it to end this week either, although we know it has to."

Sinfield added that the England coach, Steve McNamara, has succeeded in recreating a club atmosphere at Test level, especially at the squad's training base at Loughborough.

Another England player in prime form, the Hull winger, Tom Briscoe, is to have talks with his club about extending his contract.