He finally considers himself an Englishman, but Australian-born Tony Smith isn't giving his new countrymen any favours in the build-up to their Rugby League World Cup assault Down Under.

The England coach has adopted a hard-line stance with his squad as they attempt to wrestle the World Cup away from Australia for the first time since 1972.

The brother of Newcastle mentor Brian Smith has ordered his players not to take holidays in Australia after the tournament to keep his troops focused.

And knowing the importance of a winning start, Smith has also bundled his players into acclimatisation chambers with conditions set at 37 degrees and 90 per cent humidity to prepare for their October 25 opener against PNG at steamy Townsville.

His tough approach seems to be working - England warmed up for the tournament with a record 74-0 rout of Wales at Doncaster overnight (AEST).

Despite featuring just eight members of Smith's 24-strong Cup squad, a young outfit ran in 14 tries to smash England's previous best win over Wales - a 60-13 triumph at St Helens in 1978.

Smith feels a genuine affection for his adopted country but had not sung the national anthem before internationals since taking over the reins two years ago - until now.

After recently receiving British citizenship on residency grounds, Smith belted out God Save the Queen for the first time before the thumping of Wales.

"I have refrained from singing the national anthem up to now because I didn't have my citizenship and I didn't feel I was in a position previously to join in," he told reporters.

"But now I am entitled to do so and I am able to rightfully sing, being a British citizen. I am not a great singer but now I've got the choice."

However, his affection for his new home only extends so far.

Even rugby league hardman Adrian Morley is feeling the pinch under Smith's uncompromising World Cup countdown.

Morley said he knew the importance of acclimatisation after soaking up Townsville's humidity during 1997's World Sevens in north Queensland - not that it made the task any easier.

"It can feel claustrophobic when you're sweating and hot and you feel like the walls are coming in on you," he told The Sun newspaper of the acclimatisation chambers.

"It is like training in a sauna and you can't get your breath or cool down, but that's what it's going to be like against PNG.

"It's essential that we win our first game and start the World Cup with a winning start. We're expected to win and do well, so it's essential that we prepare correctly."

Morley may be keen to catch up with old mates made in Australia during his five year NRL stint after the tournament.

But only Gareth Ellis has been given permission by Smith to remain Down Under after the World Cup.

Ellis will link with Wests Tigers after the World Cup.

England flies out for Australia on Monday.

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