The hosts have not lost an international since May 2015 and it is more than a decade since they were beaten by a side other than New Zealand.
In fact, England’s barren run against the Kangaroos stretches back to 1995, when they beat them at Wembley Stadium in the group stages of the World Cup.
But the Aussies would have their revenge a few weeks later, winning the final 16-8.
Today, Australia will start in Melbourne as massive 1/9 favourites against Sean O’Loughlin’s side.
England 4 – Australia 0: Rugby League World Cup 2017 LIVE updates
10 MINUTES
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The pressure is building on England as Australia keep putting the ball into the in-goal area when they can’t find a way through, winning a fresh set from the resulting dropout.
England’s defence is holding fimr at present but Cooper Cronk, despite a bloodied nose, is marshalling the attacks masterfully at present – even if his kicking has yet to unlock the try-chest.
8 MINUTES
Australia nearly strike back immediately with Michael Morgan shurgging a tackler or two but it’s McGilvary at the other end this time, diving on a loose offload to steal the ball and snuff out the danger metres from his own line.
TRY ENGLAND! (McGillvary 4′)
An early breakthrough for the visitors! England get deep into Australia territory on the fourth tackle and then some fast hands out wide shovel the ball into the hands of Jermaine McGillvary, who slides over from close range.
The wide kick is no good but England lead nevertheless.
2 MINUTES
Strong start from Australia but their first set ends with a kick that goes dead. Probably should have spread it wide in retrospect but already ominous signs from the home side.
10.10am: Still not going. Australia are doing their “Rise” presentation before kick-off, a cultural challenge to the English akin to the more famous haka in New Zealand I suppose.
It’s very choreographed but there’s not a lot of movement, if I’m honest. Rugby anyone? At last!
10am: The teams are finally walking out after a rather protracted, musical and fiery opening ceremony.
So it’s just the anthems to go then we’ll get some rugby.
9.45am: Speaking of teams, here they are in full.
Australia
B Slater (Melbourne); D Gagai (Newcastle), W Chambers (Melbourne), J Dugan (St George Illawarra), V Holmes (Cronula); M Morgan (North Queensland), C Cronk (Melbourne); A Woods (Wests Tigers), C Smith (Melbourne, capt), D Klemmer (Canterbury Bulldogs), B Cordner (Sydney Roosters), M Gillett (Brisbane), J Trbojevic (Manly).
Interchange
W Graham (Cronulla), J McLean (Melbourne), J McGuire (Brisbane), T Frizell (St George Illawarra).
England
J Lomax (St Helens); J McGillvary (Huddersfield), K Watkins (Leeds), J Bateman (Wigan), R Hall (Leeds); G Widdop (St George Illawarra), L Gale (Castleford); C Hill (Warrington), J Hodgson (Canberra), J Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs), S Burgess (South Sydney), E Whitehead (Canberra), S O’Loughlin (Wigan, capt).
Interchange
B Currie (Warrington), C Heighington (Cronulla), T Burgess (South Sydney), J Roby (St Helens).
9.40am: Some team news to bring you from the England camp – St Helens prop Alex Walmsley is out with a virus so Ben Currie of Warrington Wolves comes into the matchday 17.
9.30am: Live sport? Before I’ve had my second coffee? Don’t mind if I do!
That’s right. Due to the wonders of time-zones, you get to enjoy two of the world’s best rugby league sides bashing it out over a hot drink and a chocolate hobnob. (I’m on a diet so will not join on the biscuits. It’s okay. I like seeds anyway. Honestly.)
Kick-off is at 10am and we’ll bring you ever tackle, kick and fight from the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium – which is mostly round.