England's campaign at the Rugby League World Cup has begun with a 28-20 defeat to Australia at the Millennium Stadium.

After weathering a strong start by Australia, tries from Ryan Hall and Leroy Cudjoe helped England to a 10-0 lead early in the first half.

However, the nine-time World Cup winners fought back, as Johnathan Thurston and Greg Bird both found the try line to give the Kangaroos a narrow lead, before Billy Slater made it 18-10 at half time.

Australia extended their advantage early in the second half through a Brett Morris score, but George Burgess was able to get England back into the match with a try at the other end moments later.

Darius Boyd was able to extend the lead with another try for Australia inside the last 10 minutes, before Josh Charnley sprinted from the half-way line to give England some late hope, but they were unable to add to their score again, securing a winning start to the tournament for the world's top-ranked team.