HULL KR winger Peter Fox believes the gap between England and Australia is not increasing – despite the 46-16 Four Nations final mauling at Elland Road on Saturday.

Fox believes the first hour of the game showed England can compete against the Kangaroos, but he conceded the skills of Australia's key men was too much in the end.

The winger, who scored his seventh try in just six England appearances, is confident the future of the British game is in safe hands.

"I don't think the gap between England and Australia is bigger than ever," Fox told the Mail.

"It's just the plays they put on are ones that we probably wouldn't.

"They are exceptional plays and inventive and that's what scores tries. That's why they put that many points on us.

"I think we are capable of doing that without a doubt.

"You just have to look at Kyle Eastmond, Sam Tomkins and Sam Burgess.

"They are outstanding players and great prospects for the future."

Despite the nature of the defeat, Fox is delighted to have been part of the England squad, even if he had to wait to get back into the team after missing the first two Four Nations games.

"The last few weeks have been like a rollercoaster," said Fox.

"It's had its highs, but it's definitely had its lows.

"It meant a lot to me scoring at Elland Road, but I wish I had scored a hat-trick and won. But that's just me.

"The highlights for me have obviously been playing against New Zealand and Australia, the two World Cup finalists. I know what I have to do to stay in the frame for these matches. I've experienced it and now I want more of it."

Fox damaged his knee ligaments in a tackle in the second half, but hopes it won't affect his pre-season with the Robins.

"I hurt my medial ligament in the second half and I felt it going a bit," said Fox. "I need to rest the knee and speak to the medical team at Rovers."

To read Charlie Mullan's thoughts on the Four Nations click here