Steve McNamara dismisses any suggestions that England have been given a cushy start to the Gillette Four Nations tonight.

A clash with expected whipping boys France at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium should provide a gentle opener ahead of the tough challenges against Australia and world champions New Zealand.

But Bulls coach McNamara, number two to England boss Tony Smith, insists the host nation must not get lulled into a false sense of security.

He said: “I’m not sure if it’s a good thing playing France first or not. You could argue that it would be better to play the Aussies first up before they have had the chance to warm up and get their rhythm.

“It was supposedly the case we had an easy start last year (in the World Cup) when we played Papua New Guinea in Australia. People were saying that it would be a comfortable win but it didn’t happen like that at all.

“They came out all guns blazing and although we got through, it wasn’t a very convincing win.

“We know we will be up against a very enthusiastic France side and it’s down to us to be ready for that.”

The success of Catalans in making the Super League play-offs shows how French rugby has improved. With the likes of Dragons full back Clint Greenshields now on board, they will pose a tougher test than the 66-12 summer stroll.

McNamara is excited by the tournament and cites the Kiwis’ shock win over Australia in the World Cup final as proof that the title is up for grabs.

He said: “That was a super performance from New Zealand to get the job done. Everybody backed Australia because they had been the most consistent team over a long period and the most feared.

“We’re certainly not going into this with the feeling that we cannot win it. We’re very much looking forward to the challenge against the three teams.

“It was a bit of a split squad last weekend against Wales because we never had the Grand Finalists. But it was more an opportunity to get the rust off some of the lads who hadn’t played for a while, rather than come together as the most fluent side.

“Now everybody can focus on the Four Nations and the chance of playing and working with some of the best players in the world of rugby league.”