Bulls chief John Kear, who is also coach of Wales, believes England can win the 2021 World Cup and says Wayne Bennett is the man to do it.

The 70-year-old Bennett, who succeeded Steve McNamara as England coach four years ago, is out of contract and not guaranteed to get a new deal after leading Great Britain to defeat in all four games on their tour of New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

However, Kear, who coached England at the 2008 World Cup and has also had a stint in charge of France, says the veteran Australian remains the right man for the job.

"I think England can win the World Cup on their own ground," Kear said. "I'd be delighted if they did.

"I'd love Wales to win it, but I'm realistic. If England reach the final, I'll be shouting for them.

"I really do feel they can win it and I believe Wayne Bennett should be coaching them as well.

"He made great strides with England and I don't think he was the right choice to be Great Britain coach.

"But I do think he is the correct choice to continue as the England coach to the end of the World Cup.

"I've no idea if he will, but my opinion is that he should retain the job as head coach."

A decision on the vacancy is expected to be made at the next meeting of the Rugby Football League board on February 6, when directors consider a review of the 2019 international year.

RFL rugby director Kevin Sinfield says he completed his part of the review relating to rugby matters before Christmas and is satisfied with its thoroughness.

"You want to make sure no stone is left unturned in the quest to get the right recommendation," he said.

"I feel we're in a good place. I feel there is a plan to take things forward."

Sinfield, who spent 10 days on the Lions tour, is in regular contact with Bennett who he says remains keen to continue in the job but RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer has confirmed there are other candidates in the mix.

Sinfield added: "It's only right as part of the review that I highlight a plan to take us forward.

"The recommendations and the review have included some other candidates but only because we're trying to get the best person for the job.

"To just blindly go into a review and carry on regardless would be really foolish, I think it's really important that it's done in the right manner, respectfully and properly.

"It's fair to say I haven't met - and it's not part of my role to go and meet - other candidates."

Bennett came under huge criticism for his selection decisions before and during the Great Britain tour but Sinfield insists the results were not an accurate reflection of the state of the national team.

"There are some mitigating factors which are part of the review," he said.

"I know some people will be doubting where we are because of the Great Britain series but results don't show a true reflection of where we're at."