Kyle Eastmond is ready to play a big role in the Gillette Four Nations final next week - even if only as a supporter.

The St Helens youngster is not taking his place for granted despite fully justifying his selection at scrum-half in England's superb victory over world champions New Zealand on Saturday night.

Eastmond combined brilliantly with fellow 20-year-old Sam Tomkins in the 20-12 win at the Galpharm Stadium after coach Tony Smith boldly handed the pair the pivotal number six and seven shirts.

Eastmond said: "The team is getting better every week but we're not going to rest on this now, we've got a final to win.

"That's exactly what I want to do and I'll do my best to get in the team and hopefully have a good game.

"I can't wait for next Saturday but we'll have to see if I play.

"We've got good players in the squad with Richie [Myler] and Mags [Danny McGuire].

"If I get picked I'll do my best, if not then I'll be supporting the lads."

Eastmond got England off to a fine start by supporting Sam Burgess' powerful run to claim the opening try under the posts.

Bryson Goodwin cancelled out his effort but England took a firm grip as recalled winger Peter Fox crossed twice in the closing five minutes of the first half.

Ben Matulino gave New Zealand hope early in the second period but Kevin Sinfield settled England's nerves after a tense half-hour with a penalty - his fourth goal - and the hosts held on to reach the final.

England impressed defensively and Smith received good reward for backing up starting props Adrian Morley and James Graham with two other specialist front-rowers, Jamie Peacock and Sam Burgess, elsewhere in the pack.

With Eorl Crabtree, Ben Westwood, James Roby and Jon Wilkin operating off the bench, England were very strong up front and gave their back line good protection.

Eastmond said: "I would have liked to have got more ball but it was just one of those nights where it was played in the forwards.

"I just got on with it and I think our forwards were absolutely awesome. It's a great performance going in to next week.

"We expected a tough and physical team and that's exactly what they brought, but I think we handled it well.

"There's a good mood in the camp. We're feeling more like a team now and I think that's showing in our performances.

"It was a really good effort from the boys and I think there is still more to come from us as well.

"I'm not trying to talk up the game next week but we did the little things right and we're happy.

"We can break Australia. New Zealand did it last year so why can't we? We're confident.

"The Aussies are an awesome team and we have all the respect in the world for them, but why can't we do it?"

To win the tournament England will not be able to afford a repeat of their start against the Kangaroos at the DW Stadium last week.

England conceded five tries to trail 26-0 inside 32 minutes and their eventual response came too late, even though the eventual margin of defeat was only 26-16.

Thanks to Eastmond's early effort, the start was not a problem yesterday.

"I just put a bit of pressure on the full-back and managed to get the ball off Sam and scored," he said.

"Sam did really well. It was a nice offload and luckily enough I was in the right place at the right time. It was a good try."

Smith must now consider whether to stick with his new half-back pairing of Eastmond and Tomkins.

Eastmond is certainly hoping Saturday proves the start of a successful partnership.

"Sam's awesome," he said. "I've shared a room with him for a couple of weeks, so we've got a pretty good bond going together.

"That will get stronger the more we play together."