The heartbreak of a last second semi-final defeat at last year’s World Cup could prove the driving force in England’s tilt at the Four Nations crown, according to five-eighth Gareth Widdop.

In one of the best internationals in recent memory, England came within seconds of an upset victory over New Zealand only to be denied a World Cup final berth by a late try to Kiwi half Shaun Johnson in the dying moments.

Steve McNamara named on Tuesday nine survivors from that match, including Widdop, for their opening Four Nations against Samoa in Brisbane on Saturday.

Code-hopping superstar Sam Burgess and long-time captain Kevin Sinfield (retirement) are the notable absentees from that squad but Widdop said England left the tournament convinced they can match it with traditional rivals Australia and New Zealand, who’ve both been struck by withdrawals.

‘‘From last year’s World Cup the boys certainly gained a lot of confidence and belief and they’re really excited and enthusiastic to put in a good performance over the next few weeks,’’ Widdop said.

‘‘The other teams have had some withdrawals but no matter who they bring in they’re still great players, they’re always going to be a strong team.

‘‘At the same time we’re still very confident in our ability and we’ve gained a lot of confidence from the World Cup and hopefully we can bring that over to the Four Nations this year.’’

England will enter the tournament in good form and match fit, with Bulldogs prop James Graham – the captain in the absence of Sean O’Loughlin – and fellow grand final participants Tom and George Burgess all named.

The squad also includes seven players from the Wigan team that contested the Super League grand final two weeks ago.

‘‘Obviously playing in grand finals and winning grand finals you certainly do get a lot of excitement and joy out of that and you’re on a big high,’’ Widdop said.

‘‘I think that’s certainly the case for guys like George and Tom [Burgess] and James Graham and a few of the Wigan and Saints boys are really excited for the tournament now.’’

Widdop left Melbourne for the Dragons this year with the intention of making an NRL side his own and Sinfield’s retirement means England’s fortunes will rest heavily on Widdop doing the same in a Test jumper. 

He’ll be partnered by Test rookie Matt Smith in the halves and with Raiders-bound hooker Josh Hodgson, Widdop is aware of the responsibility that rests on his shoulders.

‘‘I’ve been training really hard and hopefully I do get that fair crack at playing five-eighth and taking a lot of responsibility with that.

‘‘Every time I get the opportunity to put on the England jersey it’s a huge honour.’’