Getting off to a good start against New Zealand on Saturday will be the key to England reaching the Gillette Four Nations final, according to coach Tony Smith.

England have produced disappointing first-half performances in both their matches so far and, although they were good enough to come from 12-4 down at half-time to beat France, they gave themselves too much to do against Australia after trailing 26-0.

Smith says the team are working on ways to make a better start in the do-or-die battle with the World Cup-winning Kiwis at Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium.

"The players are really conscious of it," he said.

"They're really keen to get out there and start better this week.

"We'll talk about it and try to come up with something. We'd love to have a better start, that's pretty obvious. We don't want to be chasing like we did last week.

"There is no magic formula for that but we'll try some little things that may be a little different in our prep."

Smith was speaking at a break in training at Leeds Rhinos' Kirkstall base where he was able to put a fully-fit 24-man squad through their paces.

The players do not yet know the team to face the Kiwis and Smith is happy to keep them waiting.

"Everybody is fit and healthy and really keen to make the team this week," he said.

"They will know in the next 24 hours whether they're in but they're all bouncing at the moment and showing how good they can be. They're on their toes.

"I've got a few decisions to make but that's a good position to be in. It probably shows that we're handling things better physically.

"We made steps to prepare our players in different ways and we're bearing the fruits."

Smith's selection dilemmas surround the position of stand-off Danny McGuire, who was booed off at Wigan during England's 26-16 defeat by the Kangaroos on Saturday, and whether to promote the bench players who helped transform their side's fortunes in that match.

"Some of the people who were on the bench last week are specialised there," he said, in particular reference to giant prop forward Eorl Crabtree.

"But I thought the players that came on for us last week really did lift us and we've got to decide whether to put them straight in the team or keep them as bench players. It will be a bit of horses for courses."

McGuire is facing competition from teenage half-back Richie Myler, who made way for Sam Tomkins against Australia, with Kyle Eastmond providing cover on the bench.

Smith says he would have no hesitation in playing all three rookies but is tipping McGuire to bounce back, if given the chance, from his below-par performance at the DW Stadium.

"I've got no fear about any of those young blokes," he said.

"They're good kids and they've shown they can handle it at the top already.

"We've used them all and we'll pick who deserves to be there or who best fits this game.

"Tomkins and McGuire had their moments and individually they tried really hard. They're in there with a chance again this week.

"I don't like jeering of anybody but that's life and Danny has handled it like a real professional.

"He just gets on with things. He loves playing for his country and tries his hardest every time."

After playing for 25 minutes at full-back against France and 40 at centre against Australia, it would be no surprise if Eastmond gets more game time against New Zealand, although he is once more likely to start on the bench.

"I'd like to see him on the park a bit longer," admitted Smith.

"He has a good impact when he comes on but we'll have to see how the game pans out.

"He had a bit of a roaming role to do for us on Saturday, even though he was playing right centre.

"He looked dangerous, he's just a player you want on the field when you can and he has an impact."