But the English side will be out to catch the Australian team off guard and claim their first win over the Kangaroo’s since 2006.
England will also be motivated by the memory of the 2016 Four nations tournament, when Australia knocked them out of the competition just one game shy of the grand final.
Both countries will field full strength teams for the tournament opener including Dally M medallist Cameron Smith, and the Man of Steel Super League player of the year, Luke Gale.
Gale is coming off the back of a brilliant season with Super League team, Castleford Tigers, where the talented halfback starred with his long cut out passes and pin-point kicking game.
Whereas, Cameron Smith also had a standout 2017 season, becoming the highest capped player in the NRL and leading the Melbourne Storm to their third premiership.
Both teams are playing their cards close to their chest ahead of the clash, but Australian forward David Klemmer, says they are expecting England to come out firing.
“England will be a big side, and they’re a good attacking team.”
"Every time you verse England it's a hard encounter. I can't wait to get out there and test myself against a tough quality pack. I’m excited."
Australia is coming off strong wins against Fiji and Papua New Guinea in warm up matches, while England cruised past the Central Affiliated States 74-12 in their most recent game.
England coach, Wayne Bennett, was pleased with his team’s performance against Central Affiliated States and is hopeful his team is building towards something special.
Bennett believes his mixture of Australian based players and Super League players could undo the Australian side.
“We’ve been pretty happy with ourselves,” Bennett said.
“Our team strength is good, we have 6 or 7 Australian players in our team which is good and some really quality players out of the English Super League.”
England captain Sean O'Loughlin backed up his coach’s confidence and believes his team has the ability to upset Australia.
“It’s all about our preparations for it,” O'Loughlin said.
“We know it’s early on in the competition but if we concentrate on our performance and do that basic things really well, I feel we’ve got a really good chance.”
Australia v England
Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, 8pm Friday
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Rugby League World Cup 2017 | @RLWC2017
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