We're playing for our World Cup places, warns England full-back Wellens

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Paul Wellens admits his England team-mates will be aiming to consolidate their
World Cup places in tonight's mid-season international against France in Toulouse.

Coach Tony Smith has largely kept faith with the Great Britain squad which
achieved a series whitewash of New Zealand last year and Wellens knows a strong
performance against the French can virtually clinch their trip to Australia at
the end of the season.

However, the St Helens full-back insists England are expecting a difficult
challenge from John Monie's men, who will have home advantage at the Ernest
Wallon Stadium and nine representatives from in-form Super League team Catalans
Dragons in their line-up.

Up for it: Paul Wellens (right) is targetting the World Cup

'I am sure a good performance will go some way towards booking a place on the
plane to Australia but I'm just looking for a good performance,' said Wellens.

'There are a few of the French players unknown to us but the majority of the squad are made up of Catalans Dragons and we know how well they're doing this year.

'They are a big strong side and I'm the sure French team will inherit some of
that. They will have our full respect.

'It's important we concentrate on our own performance and, with the quality in our squad, there is no reason why we can't put in a really good performance.'

Temperatures have been above 30 degrees in the south of France since the England squad arrived on Wednesday but, with an 8.45pm kick-off local time, Wellens believes the conditions could play into the visitors' hands.

'I think the conditions will suit us down to the ground with the likes of Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow and James Roby, top-of-the-ground players who can take advantage of the situation,' he said. 'I am sure it will benefit us.'

England have a familiar look and their only debutant, Hull KR winger Peter Fox, has quickly settled into the side, according Wellens, one of the senior statesmen of the national team.

'He's taken to it really well,' said Wellens. 'It can be a little bit daunting when you first come into the international environment but the way the squad is now, I don't think he's found it a problem.

'He's interacting with everyone and has trained well.'

Meanwhile, coach Tony Smith is expecting Wellens' St Helens team-mate Roby to
play a major role in tonight's match.

Roby is the only specialist hooker in the 17 and, although the Leeds duo of Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow will provide cover, the coach believes it may not be necessary.

'I'm quite comfortable that we've got people who can slot into that position if Robes doesn't play 80 minutes,' said Smith.

'I think he can though. He is an 80-minute player. James has an engine that
can go and go and go - he can probably play two games in a row.'

Smith's prediction is likely to come true, with Roby set to turn out for St Helens against Huddersfield on Sunday, with up to six of his England club-mates, as long as he comes through unscathed tonight.