THE last time Ben Westwood pulled on an England shirt he witnessed first-hand the nation’s World Cup hopes being ended by a last-gasp try.

Shaun Johnson’s sensational 80th-minute effort at Wembley in 2013 saw New Zealand progress to the final at England’s expense, and Westwood is yet to banish that memory.

The Warrington Wolves forward, who missed last year’s Four Nations tour due to injury, admits it was a tough way for the hosts to exit their own World Cup.

Now approaching the twilight years of his international career the 34-year-old appreciates being given the chance to make amends.

“It was horrible the way that match ended really,” explained Westwood. “It still hurts when you think about it. I try not to think about it too much, but it wasn’t nice.

“I didn’t get a chance to play against them last year due to injury, so I’m glad I’m involved in the squad and putting my hand up to take on these Kiwis – it’s another chance to have a bash at them.”

The former Wakefield man’s international career began against the Kiwis in 2008, but after 26 caps Westwood is yet to get his hands on a Series win with England.

“Most definitely,” said Westwood on whether Steve McNamara's side have the ability to end that spell.

“That’s the big aim. I’m coming down towards the end of my international days so it would be good to come out with a win.

“I’ve had some great times over the past seven or eight years. Playing in the World Cups has been massive, every time I’ve come up against Australia it’s been great and I’ve loved every minute of it.

“But I’m not saying this is the end, we’ll see what happens next year.”

Warrington Guardian:

Ben Westwood comes within inches of sending England into the 2013 World Cup final

Preparations for the Series begin with a friendly against France at Leigh on Saturday.

Westwood, joined in the squad by fellow Wolves forwards Chris Hill and Ben Currie, could feature in the back row or at prop and expects to know more about how McNamara will plan to use him after Saturday's clash.

"I’m just knuckling down and I’ll leave that up to the management," he said.

“It’s been great so far. We’ve picked up a bit of intensity going towards the French game and we’re all training hard, ready for a big series.

“The team hasn’t been selected this week yet, so I’m still waiting for the nod on that one.

I’m pleased for Bennie to get in the squad, he’s had a good season and he’s come on leaps and bounds over the past few years.

“I know he was tipped when he was a youngster, but I’m pleased for him to get in.

“We all know Chris Hill is more or less a dead cert these days. It’s great having them here, but I’m just super happy I’m involved as well.”

After opening the Series in Hull next weekend England and New Zealand will meet at London’s Olympic Park Stadium, something Westwood is looking forward to.

“I’ve never played there before so it will be fantastic,” he added. “Hopefully we’ll get the London fans behind us and the northern fans can travel down and make a weekend of it.

“We’ll build that ‘White Wall’, as we say, for the game.

“The Kiwis have got a few players missing, but with the quality they’ve got coming through the ranks I’m sure they’ll replace them with just as good players.

“I’ll sit down next week and have a look at their squad, we’ll do some work on it then.”

Westwood and Hill have been named in England's 19 to face France, along with Mike Cooper.