England had a hugely disappointing World Cup campaign

Former rugby league star Jason Robinson says the "inbuilt selfishness" of many Super League clubs needs to change after England's World Cup failure.

Robinson said Super League clubs needed to look at the bigger picture if England are to improve at Test level.

"Two weeks need to be taken out the Super League season for (a warm-up game), if we're serious about improving England's fortunes," said Robinson.

"You would have to overcome the inbuilt selfishness of the clubs to do that."

England, who flew out to Australia with high hopes, were a major disappointment at the World Cup, winning just one of their four games before falling to defeat against New Zealand in the semi-final.

They conceded 142 points in their four games, with a 52-4 thrashing by Australia handing them their worst ever World Cup defeat.

606: DEBATE Do you think he has a point? And if so, how can the RFL go about redressing the balance, so playing for England becomes more meaningful and significant? JulianS

"If we're serious there must be a way to give them more games in the season.

"Why not make use of the quality overseas players in the Super League and form a Rest of the World side, including the likes of Brent Webb and Steve Menzies, to play England?"

Robinson said the preparation of the England rugby union team was in stark contrast to the way their league equivalent.

"They had a warm-up against Wales which was a non-event and then 10 days to prepare for the first game," he said.

"When I played for England at rugby union we had the Six Nations, a summer tour and the autumn internationals to mould a side and get used to playing in a pressure environment.

"Mental toughness is as important as physical toughness and England failed in that department.

Robinson is a former Great Britain and England rugby league international

Robinson's comments followed on from Australia coach Ricky Stuart, who said the international game had "suffered terribly" as a result of England's failure at the World Cup.

"Since the last World Cup, England have gone backwards," he said.

"There's really no denying it and it's difficult to see any improvement at the elite level while clubs persist in raiding Australia and New Zealand for talent.

"The lack of focus on developing their youth is made clear by the fact that approximately 39% of the players in the English Super League are imports.

"How is that a benefit to the development of their grassroots football?"

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