The next match that England's full-strength team will play after Friday evening's international here will be their opening World Cup pool game in Australia against Papua New Guinea. “Its importance can't be underestimated,” Jamie Peacock, the captain, who believes that a France team consisting mainly of players from the high-flying Catalans Dragons can muster a suitably stiff challenge, said.

Peacock, who will lead England in the World Cup in October and November, said: “France are the strongest they've been for many years with the influence of Catalans. Giving them three years' immunity from relegation was the best thing possible. If that ensures an intense, competitive match each year, this fixture will keep gathering strength.”

Having retired the Great Britain brand, on home soil at least, with a 3-0 series thumping of New Zealand last year, Tony Smith, the national coach, is anxious to maintain that momentum with England at the first opportunity before the World Cup. All bar the uncapped Peter Fox, the Hull Kingston Rovers wing who replaces the injured Gareth Raynor, featured in the whitewash of the Kiwis.

“France are a good team and this is a tough assignment,” Smith said. “Australia has its State of Origin series and we've been screaming in the northern hemisphere for a competitive match in mid-year to prepare us for the international season in the autumn.”

Toulouse are among the 19 clubs who will learn the 14 successful three-year Super League licence applicants on July 22. Hopes are fading that the city will become the second French representative in the competition after Perpignan from next year, but Stade Ernest Wallon, the home of Toulouse rugby union club, will be en fête for a rare league outing and should provide a good indication of the support a possible Super League club could receive, if Toulouse reapply in 2012.

Bradford Bulls have shrugged off interest from Leeds Rhinos in Sam Burgess, who starts in the second row for England this evening, by signing the 19-year-old for a further three years.