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England captain Jamie George says his side will not be intimidated by the All Blacks as they bid to win a first-ever series in New Zealand.
England have won just twice in Tests in New Zealand – in 1973 and 2003 – and have never won a two- or three-match series.
England will face the All Blacks in Dunedin on July 6 and at Eden Park in Auckland a week later.
“I think our rating and respect for them is higher than it’s ever been,” George told BBC Sport.
“But at the same time, we can’t just sit back and give too much respect, we have to go out there and assert our rights the way we want to.
“If we just stand in awe of the All Blacks, then we won’t be brave enough to beat them.
“That’s what we’re here for. To go to New Zealand and beat New Zealand in New Zealand.”
England set the stage for the All Blacks series with a crushing 52-17 win over Japan in Tokyo, and this week they travel to New Zealand determined to make history.
George added: “For those who haven’t been to New Zealand, what excites me is the passion that New Zealanders have for rugby.”
“When you walk down the street, everyone loves the All Blacks and loves to tell you how much the All Blacks are going to beat you.
“It’s all part of the amazing journey of visiting New Zealand.
“It’s challenging because they’re a great team with amazing support, but at the same time I think we’re really happy with where we are and we wouldn’t mind if we lost as the underdogs,” George said.
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