Wales qualified for the World Cup for the first time by beating the Netherlands in June and the head coach is keen to see progress against England.
“We’ve got a plan that takes us towards the World Cup and this is the first step towards seeing if the work we’re putting in is starting to materialise,” said Brindle.
“It gives us a better idea of what we need to do to make sure we’re competing at the World Cup in ’26.”
The last time Wales met England, in a corresponding fixture in 2023, they conceded 11 tries in a 60-0 defeat.
Brindle acknowledges England’s “significant” resources have given his opposite number Stuart Barrow the chance to name “a young squad”.
“There are some very talented players coming through. So we know they’re going to be fit. We know they’re going to be strong. We know they’re going to be well coached,” said Brindle.
“So we know we’ve got to compete and be at the best of our game to be able to go toe-to-toe with them. That’s our challenge this weekend.
“We understand the differences, understand the resources, and we know we’re underdogs in this regard. But the ultimate thing for us is that we can compete, and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Brindle has set what he hope are realistic targets for his side as they face that challenge after being “happy” with the first hour of their last encounter.
“In a different world, I think that could have been closer, but overall, we achieved our goals last year, and that helped us qualify for the World Cup, and that was the intention.
“So same again. We’ve got some targets we want to achieve on the field. Hopefully that will make us be better next year and then the year beyond.”
Having been involved with the England team in 2011 and again six years later, Brindle is keen to highlight the overall progress in the women’s game.
“When I first got involved with England women as the assistant coach in 2011, the game wasn’t in great health,” he said.
“And then again in 2017, when I had a bit more of a hand in shaping the future of women’s rugby league domestically… half the games weren’t played that year and it was a real challenge.
“So going from park pitches to where we are at Wembley to the standard that we’re going to see this weekend, it’s massive. I’m glad I’m a part of that journey.”
