England second rower Gareth Ellis says it is time for him and fellow NRL-based international Sam Burgess to stand up and save their team from an early exit from the Four Nations tournament this weekend and to prove they're worthy of being part of it. <br><br> A disappointing 24-10 loss in their opening match against the Kiwis last weekend has left England in a must-win situation against the Kangaroos at AAMI Park in Melbourne on Sunday. <br><br> “For myself and sam I think it is about time we stood up – we’ve lost inspirational players like (Adrian) Morley and (Jamie) Peacock; it's time we stood up and took that leadership role," Ellis said. <br><br> Ellis is also determined to prove to the rugby league community that England "belong at this level". <br><br> “The challenge – playing against 17 world class players - is to prove that we are worthy of being part of this competition," he said. <br><br> The English have taken heart from their two previous performances against the Kangaroos on home soil – despite losing both contests, including last year's Four Nations Final. <br><br> The Poms surprised many when they ousted World Cup champions New Zealand to make the Final and it looked like a major upset was brewing until a late Australian onslaught made the scoreline blow out. <br><br> Ellis says the lesson from those losses was that they cannot afford to switch off, "not even for a moment". <br><br> “Both of those games proved that you have to be able to play for 80 minutes," he said. "It probably showed on the weekend as well. <br><br> "You have to play every play. That is something I’ve learnt here (in the NRL) and that is the intensity of the competition." <br><br> Ellis is also looking forward to the challenge rather than being fearful of coming up against his club coach and Australian coach Tim Sheens. <br><br> “No fear ... the challenge of overcoming Tim is greater than any fear," Ellis said. "I need to stand up this week and be a thorn in his side." <br><br> For more information on the 2010 Four Nations go to <a href="http://www.rlfournations.com">www.rlfournations.com</a> and join us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/fournations">Facebook</a>.
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