ENGLAND skipper Pat Sanderson has reminded his players that winning the Churchill Cup and not gaining Test recognition is their main objective over the next nine days.

Joe Lydon's side face Canada in their tournament opener on Sunday with several members of the squad declaring their intention to use the match to catapult them into the reckoning for England's November Tests.

But Worcester Warriors captain Sanderson has urged caution and insists the thrill of running out for England in the non-cap international will be motivation enough for his team to reclaim the crown they lost to the New Zealand Maori last summer.

He said: "It would be great to be involved in the Autumn games but the guys should not be looking beyond the fact they are pulling on an England jersey.

"Everyone seems to think we are here to book our place in the November internationals. But we are not --we are here to represent our country. That in itself is a massive carrot to perform."

Sanderson will captain an inexperienced side at the Commonwealth Stadium -- Worcester scrum-half Andy Gomarsall is the most senior player with 23 caps --but he will take an unfussy approach to his leadership.

"It's a young England side but there are still some very talented guys in there who are good decision makers.

"I don't expect to be telling people what to do on the pitch, instead making broad brush decisions," said Sanderson.

"It should not be too hard a job to keep us on the right path. Obviously there are going to be times when you do need to show your leadership a bit. But the best thing I can do is lead by example by playing well."

He added: "It has been a very long season so keeping focus is a big issue. I know when to relax and when not to. That's an important balance that we have managed to get right so far.

"The guys have enjoyed their time in Canada but we know what we are here to do. We have trained well and we are very focused. Hopefully that will show on Sunday."

Canada collapsed to a 60-3 defeat by Wales in sweltering conditions last weekend and they are unlikely to halt England's procession to the final, although Sanderson is taking nothing for granted.

"Canada were very competitive for the half against Wales. We left at half-time of the match because it was so hot.

"The weather conditions in Edmonton should mean they will be competitive for longer -- they just ran out of steam in Toronto," he said.

"They were still in touch after 50 minutes. They are a really committed side and we will not underestimate them a bit, but I am confident we will pull through."