The seven-time NRL Premiership coach’s decision to lead England comes from a want to strengthen the international game.

The 66-year-old helped New Zealand win the 2008 world cup as an assistant to Stephen Kearney, another example of his mentoring prowess.

And with the tournament to be contested in England the home nation is in its best position in years.

“The one thing that Wayne Bennett does with all the football teams that he coaches is that he makes you play for your teammates,” Cronk told AAP.

“He makes you work hard and not let your teammates down.”

Cronk said Bennett was sure to get the best out of his English troops as he’s done for every team he has coached.

“Super competitive are probably the words that come to mind when you think of Wayne Bennett coached teams and I’m sure England will be no different,” he said.

“When you have that type of under-culture, all the skills can just find their way through.”

Bennett’s first match as England coach comes on October 29 against New Zealand at Huddersfield.