England forward Sam Burgess is optimistic about his side's chances in Saturday's Rugby League World Cup final, despite the absence of key players.

Wigan Warriors loose forward Sean O'Loughlin misses the final against Australia at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, as does hooker Josh Hodgson.

However, Burgess believes that England's alternatives are perfectly capable of taking on the Kangaroos.

"I'm really disappointed for Sean, and for Josh as well. Not many people are talking about Josh but what he has brought to the England side over the last three or four years has been fantastic," he told reporters.

"We lose two senior boys who are great players, but we also gain James Roby, who gets a chance to start the game, and Ben Currie will get the chance to start on that left edge.

"So, as much as we'll miss the boys, we've got some great players coming in and we're excited at the opportunity. I don't see that a lot changes for us. We've been extremely consistent in our training."

England will be making their first World Cup final appearance since they were beaten 16-8 by Australia at Wembley in 1995.