Defeat for England would not be the end of the world against New Zealand tonight, although it could signal the end for Tony Smith, whose three-year contract as coach expires at the end of the Gillette Four Nations.

Should the world champions prevail in Huddersfield, there are sufficient talented and eager new faces in the side to suggest that England have a bright future, although whether Smith remains in place for the 2010 Four Nations in the southern hemisphere would be a matter for him and the RFL.

Both parties have remained noncommittal through the series, although when England were awarded the next World Cup, Smith expressed a desire in July to take the team through to 2013. Failure to reach next Saturday’s final at Elland Road would produce a familiar clamour from certain quarters for Smith’s head, although there is a lack of alternatives.

Steve McNamara, the Bradford Bulls coach, who is Smith’s England assistant, would be the obvious candidate to step up. But his record pales into insignificance with Smith’s considerable achievements at club level, and is one reason why the RFL might be tempted to renew Smith’s contract, with a brief to mould and continue guiding a new-look team.

“Heading into this sort of game, that’s not really where the focus needs to be or where I’d like it to be,” Smith said. “We’re looking at producing a good performance. I love coaching England and I’m proud to be part of all this. Those decisions will be made at the opportune time.”

None of the backs played in the 32-22 loss to New Zealand in last year’s World Cup semi-final. The pack is substantially the same, while the Kiwis bristle with young new heavyweights up front and coltish threequarters, including a debut at centre for Kieran Foran, 19, opposite Chris Bridge, Warrington Wolves’ utility back, who could scarcely have imagined a couple of months ago that he would be involved in a sudden-death encounter for England.

Such has been the rapid rise of several players under Smith, whose loyalty to an established core in the 2008 World Cup proved misguided but whose bold selection policy will be hailed as a triumph if England can edge past New Zealand on a ground where they have enjoyed plenty of success against the Kiwis in the last five years.

Sam Tomkins and Kyle Eastmond, both 20, begin a half-back partnership that could last through to the 2013 World Cup. “Experienced or not, they have the attitude to handle it,” Smith said. “They’re good, young boys and pretty fearless.

“We want to get to the final, but with this young team, it’s not going to be the be-all and end-all and the death of British rugby league if we don’t.”

Australia have the formality of beating France in Paris this afternoon in order to book their final place. More than three quarters of supporters in a poll in Australia expect it to be a repeat of last year’s World Cup final against New Zealand.

How they line up
England: S Briscoe; P Fox, C Bridge, M Shenton, R Hall; S Tomkins, K Eastmond; A Morley, J Roby, J Graham, J Peacock (captain), G Ellis, K Sinfield. Interchange: S Burgess, E Crabtree, B Westwood, J Wilkin.
New Zealand: L Hohaia; S Perrett, K Foran, J Sa’u, B Goodwin; B Marshall (captain), N Fien; F-P Nuuausala, T Leuluai, F Moimoi, I Soliola, F Pritchard, A Blair. Interchange: I Luke, J Lima, B Matulino, J Waerea-Hargreaves.
Referee: T Alibert (France).
Television: Live on Sky Sports 1 from 5.30pm (kick-off 6pm).