Rugby League World Cup 2017: England's Sam Burgess to return 'earlier than anticipated'

South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Sam Burgess was replaced in the first half and returned to the sideline wearing a leg brace

England back-rower Sam Burgess will return "earlier than anticipated" from a knee injury sustained in the World Cup opener.

The 28-year-old damaged medial knee ligaments in the first half of Friday's 18-4 defeat by Australia.

Initially he was not expected to be available before the semi-finals on 24 and 25 November.

"Sam's a tough player and he'll be doing everything to get fit again," said head coach Wayne Bennett.

"He'll be a loss, but we expect to see him back soon in the next few weeks and pushing for a place in the squad as we aim to make the quarter- and semi-finals.

"It was a blow to lose Sam so early in the game against Australia, but the team coped and competed against the number one side in the competition."

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England suffered their 12th consecutive defeat against defending champions Australia in Melbourne.

They face Lebanon, the lowest ranked team in the tournament, on Saturday, 4 November, before their final group game against France on Sunday, 12 November.

The top three sides in the four-team group qualify for the quarter-finals.

You can follow the fortunes of your favourite team with live match notifications sent straight to your phone or tablet via the BBC Sport app. Line-up, kick-off, score, half-time and full-time options are available for all teams participating at the World Cup.