Between 1954 and 1972 and 1977 to 1992, England, Wales and Scotland were represented by Great Britain.
From 1995 onwards Great Britain only played in test series and England, Scotland and Wales all represented themselves at major tournaments.
Only Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain have won the World Cup.
England hosted the 1960 and 1970 editions of the World Cup but were represented as part of Great Britain until 1995 The defending World Cup champions and runners-up have always automatically qualified for the following event.
That was in 1975, when England and Wales took Great Britain's place.