Morley, who played in the 2000 and 2008 World Cups, believes the rise of Tonga and Samoa could make the 16th tournament - held over from last year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic - the most open in history.
"I was really enthused by England's performance against the All Stars (in June)," he said.
"They looked like a well-drilled, well-organised team, plus they are going to get the NRL-based players and a few that weren't available mid-season.
"The fact it's on home soil is a massive boost for the English team."
Morley, who turned out 114 times for the Roosters in the NRL in the early 2000s, insisted 11-time winners Australia may not have things all their own way.
"Australia are going to be favourites, as they are in virtually every tournament, and New Zealand will be very strong, but I'm sure the Pacific nations are hoping to have something to say about that.
"It's going to be very tough for England coming up against Samoa in the first game but that's what you want - you want to see the best players from the NRL playing for their countries in England in the World Cup.
"You don't want to see the same countries winning it every year.
"The fact that Tonga beat Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand in the last few years was great for our sport, watching the so-called lesser nations beating the big boys.
"You want the most evenly contested World Cup ever and I'm sure it will be."
England coach Shaun Wane will name his 24-man squad for the tournament on Friday morning local time.
The hosts kick-off the tournament against Samoa on October 15, with holders Australia taking on Fiji later the same day (October 16 AEDT).
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