Coach Clive Woodward believes England are good enough to gatecrash Australia's rugby party of the century today - after waiting 36 years for their own celebration Down Under.

Nine times England have faced the Wallabies on Australian soil - and nine times they have lost during a dismal sequence that started in 1963.

But Martin Johnson's men could pick no better time than in front of 80,000 spectators at Stadium Australia to end that run and give themselves a colossal World Cup confidence booster.

The Centenary Test, commemorating Australia's 1899 victory over Great Britain at the Sydney Cricket Ground, represents England's final major challenge before kicking off their World Cup campaign against Italy at Twickenham on October 2nd. A 15-15 Twickenham bore draw with Australia heralded the start of Woodward's reign, 19 months and 20 Tests ago.

Since then, England have held New Zealand and beaten world champions South Africa, but there were also the lowest of lows - including a 76-0 humiliation handed out by Australia last summer. Woodward's eventful rollercoaster ride has just about levelled out - nine wins, nine defeats and two draws since he replaced Jack Rowell - but he has no doubt that England have improved since late 1997.

"Australia were ahead of us 18 months ago, but I don't think they are now," he said.

Former England captain Phil de Glanville remained on full alert yesterday for an 11th-hour callup.

De Glanville would replace Mike Catt in midfield if his Bath colleague is ruled out.