More games and more challenges, what's next for England as they build to France 2025

The Rugby League World Cup is over and Australia are champions. England were in good form in the early stages but came unstuck in semi-final against Samoan side. Rugby Live looks at England's campaign and how they need to build going into the next World cup in France come 2025.

England lost the World Cup to Samoa. Samoa is a team packed with NRL superstars. England didn't handle the occasion well. They were knocked out by a Samoan side that in Jerome Luai, Stephen Crichton and others boast some of the best players in the world.

England need to build now and not wither away. They need the country's support. England have some genuine stars to develop a formidable test side. The players have time on their side and will be involved in France in three years time. They should stay together and pick squads going forward with a view to 2025.

There is a big onus on Super League to aid England's strength. NRL has got to a point of strength now. It has facilitated the growth of four competitive nations. England need to play more games as a benefit of less Super league games. IMG have been employed for a long time.

England need regular internationals playing at the highest level. They need to play Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand, Australia and Fiji between now and 2025. England's mid-season test against France is already pencilled in for April. New Zealander are interested in a 2023 test series. Samoa have also emerged as an opponent for England to take on. Australia want to have an Ashes series in 2024. This is the sort of international calendar England need building up to the next World Cup.