England coach Mark Fowler has called for a huge improvement when his side takes on New Zealand in a must-win Group D World Cup game.

England’s 12-12 draw against Fiji means that a loss against New Zealand could see the Lions out of the tournament if, as expected, the Fijians down Lebanon and the USA in its remaining games.

And although his side defeated New Zealand in the Tri-Nations series match earlier in the year, Fowler says that will count for nothing when the team’s meet at Telstra Stadium.

“Defeat means we could be struggling to qualify,” he said. “And at the same time we have a chance to perhaps help knock out one of the best teams in the world in New Zealand.”

“I am expecting a huge clash, but unless we improve from the game against Fiji we will struggle.”

Fowler is yet to name his starting line-up, although there are suggestions Jimmy Watts may start ahead of James Lowes in the hooking role.

Expected England side to take on NZ:
1 Kris Radlinski
2 Jason Robinson
3 Keith Senior
4 Gary Connolly
5 Marcus St Hiliare
6 Jonny Wilkinson
7 Derek Gateshead
8 Adrian Morley
9 James Lowes
10 Stuart Fielden
11 Andy Farrell
12 Jamie Peacock
13 Paul Sculthorpe
SUB Danny Orr
SUB Jimmy Watts
SUB Kevin Sinfield
SUB Paul Anderson