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Rugby League Betting: England unfortunates out to make points against sparkless Wales

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George Riley expects big performances from an under-strength England side featuring a number of player ommitted from the World Cup Squad.

Only eight of a weakened England side will be on the plane to the rugby league World Cup, but I'd still back Tony Smith's side to wallop Wales.

The Welsh are [5.6] on Betfair to beat England at the Keepmoat Stadium, but as tempting as that value may appear, I can't envisage any scenario where that could happen.

Yes, John Dixon's side will be fired up to show they should be heading to Australia this month too, and with a team built on a Celtic Crusaders backbone, the spirit will be fierce. But I expect the gulf in quality to be apparent in England's only World Cup warm-up game. Smith's men are [1.01] to win the game, and are currently trading at [8.4] to pip Australia and New Zealand to lift the World Cup next month.

The Grand Finalists from St Helens and Leeds get a rest, so Warrington's Martin Gleeson captain's a new-look side. I expect huge performances in an England shirt from those deemed surplus to Smithy's World Cup requirements. Look for giant Harlequins youngster Louis McCarthy-Scarsbrook to lead by example in the pack, likewise fellow prop Stuart Fielden - the big name omission from the World Cup party.

There are plenty of tries in the pacey Mark Calderwood and Peter Fox on the wings, while Castleford centre Michael Shenton should turn in a big display having found himself hugely unfortunate to miss out on the 24-man squad.

Welsh hopes lie with livewire Bradford youngster Dave Halley at full-back and stand-off Mark Lennon. With Lee Briers having retired though I fear a lack of spark in this Wales side.

England should warm up in style at Doncaster, and a win by 21-30 points would be my call. The squad should board their flight on Monday with a comfortable win under their belt as they head for the Southern hemisphere.