England play for World Cup places

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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.

"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."