RUGBY League chiefs are expecting a 20,000-plus crowd for tonight’s Four Nations sudden death showdown between England and world champions New Zealand at the Galpharm Stadium (6.00).

Ticket sales had yesterday reached over 18,000 as England look to book their place in the Four Nations final at Elland Road next Saturday.

Tonight’s attendance is guaranteed to smash the figure of 16,522 for the Test clash between Great Britain and New Zealand in October 2007. And the RFL’s Communications Manager Craig Spence admits he’s delighted with the level of interest the game has attracted.

“Sales have this week increased dramatically on the back of England’s second-half performance against Australia,” he said. “Over 18,000 tickets had been sold by lunchtime yesterday, and we are confident of attracting over 20,000.

“There will be some tickets still available on the turnstiles on the day, but the advice for those leaving it until the day of the game is to get there early to avoid potential disappointment.

“This does promise to be a fantastic occasion.”