PAPER TALK: No one’s talking about the World Cup final

James Gordon 30 Nov 2017 6:56 PM

Despite belief to the contrary, the national media are gearing up for this weekend’s World Cup final between England and Australia.

While the hosts are heavy favourites, in the words of Sky Sports and Twitter personality Rod Studd, any outcome on the day is possible.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester seems to think that rugby league is being ignored, and that is perhaps a little bit insulting to those journalists who have spent the past six weeks Down Under (I know, how have they coped) as our eyes and ears across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

So we thought it was only right to point you in the direction of some of the pieces across other media outlets to get you in the mood for Saturday’s game (which is live on BBC1, by the way, just in case they forget to tell you again).

The Mirror (Gareth Walker)

Road to the Suncorp Stadium – how England booked a first World Cup final place since 1995

Australia in focus – a look at England’s formidable World Cup final opponents

One to Watch – Gareth Widdop thrives in positional switch with England on the edge of World Cup history

England boss Wayne Bennett undecided if Saturday’s World Cup final will be his last game in charge

The Sun (Gary Carter)

Kevin Brown reveals how he was cleared to help England to World Cup final

Tonga told the call to rule out last minute try was RIGHT

England prop Chris Hill: World Cup final inspired by facing Championship sides

England Rugby League coach Wayne Bennett prepares for World Cup final… 100 miles from home

The Express (Ross Heppenstall)

Martin Offiah: England should be honoured by THE QUEEN if they beat Australia