Australia have insisted they won't be taking anything for granted against an England side featuring current and past NRL players in their must-win Four Nations match in Wigan on Saturday.

The Kangaroos and world champions New Zealand looked to be more than a cut above England and France while playing out a thrilling 20-20 draw last week.

But England beat France 34-12 and that means another win this weekend will send them through to the November 14 final at Leeds United football club's Elland Road ground, with Australia on the brink of a tournament exit.

Adrian Morley, who spent six years with the Sydney Roosters, current NRL forward Gareth Ellis, who plays for the Wests Tigers, and South Sydney bound Sam Burgess are the key figures in England's pack.

Australia front row Petero Civoniceva said the Kangaroos needed to up their game.

"We were fortunate to come away with a draw. Defensively, we need a lot of improvement.

"From what we saw of England against France, it's going to be a real good test for us. From a forward's perspective, we've got a huge challenge.

"With Adrian Morley leading from the front and Gareth Ellis and Sam Burgess coming in, it's going to be very tough opposition for us. It's going to be a physical battle down the middle on Saturday," Civoniceva added.

"Their mobility through the middle of the ruck is going to test us, but right across the park they've got some very exciting players. We certainly need to lift ourselves if we have a chance of beating them."

Ellis was named the Tigers' player of the year after a fine season and Australia vice-captain Camerom Smith said: "He picked up player of the year for the Wests Tigers, so that shows how well he played.

"Given the players they (England) have in their forward pack, trying to minimise what they do is the key to us getting a victory.

"With guys up front like Morley and Peacock leading the way, we'll expect another similar match to the Kiwis - where they were very physical through the middle. They ran hard and got up among our boys."