England the walking wounded at RLWC

Assistant coach Denis Betts has revealed some of the England players are showing signs of "wear and tear" one game into the Rugby League World Cup.

Head coach Wayne Bennett has made just one change to the side that lost the opening game to Australia for Saturday's clash with Lebanon at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

Bennett hopes to give all his players game time before the knockout stages, so there could be further changes before the following game against France in Perth.

Betts insists that spirits remain high despite an injury to superstar Sam Burgess.

"I know coaches will tell you it's not important for everyone to get on but believe me it helps massively when you've got a group like this that does," said the former Great Britain international.

"Some guys are already showing signs of wear and tear ... it's about staying honest and staying clear. Wayne doesn't promise anything but everyone knows he wants to use everyone."

Bennett's only change for the Lebanon match is prop Alex Walmsley coming in for his debut in place of the injured Burgess as he looks to tinker at the edges following last weekend's 18-4 loss to Australia.

"We just want to do things better than we did last week, that's our challenge," Betts said.

"There won't be changes in key areas, it's just doing those things that we've been working on since I came to the team last year.

"We're much better in a lot of areas and there's been some big improvements."