Shaun Wane names 19-man England squad for France test

England coach Shaun Wane has announced his 19-man squad that will go in to camp this week ahead of Saturday’s test against France in Warrington.

As many as 15 players could earn their first caps for England’s senior side, with only Ben Currie, Kai Pearce-Paul, Jack Welsby and captain George Williams previously representing England.

Super League table toppers Wigan have six players included in Wane’s squad. Five of them – Ethan Havard, Toby King, Harry Smith, Morgan Smithies and Jake Wardle – could all receive their first caps.

King represented Ireland at last year’s World Cup but has seemingly switched allegiance for this mid-season test.

Wardle played for England in last year’s match against the Combined Nations All Stars, but it doesn’t count as an official test match.

Williams and Currie are joined by their uncapped Warrington team-mates Matty Ashton, James Harrison, Matty Nicholson, Josh Thewlis and Danny Walker.

Also pushing for their England debuts are Hull KR duo Jez Litten and Mikey Lewis, who both featured for England Knights in their wins over France B and Scotland last autumn.

Ash Handley and Tom Holroyd are included from Leeds, whilst Salford prop Tyler Dupree continues his remarkable rise.

World champions St Helens have a sole representative in the shape of Jack Welsby, who has been named Super League’s Young Player of the Year for the past two seasons. 

England squad to face France

Matty Ashton (Warrington)

Ben Currie (Warrington)

Tyler Dupree (Salford)

Ash Handley (Leeds)

James Harrison (Warrington)

Ethan Havard (Wigan)

Tom Holroyd (Leeds)

Toby King (Wigan)

Mikey Lewis (Hull KR)

Jez Litten (Hull KR)

Matty Nicholson (Warrington)

Kai Pearce-Paul (Wigan)

Harry Smith (Wigan)

Morgan Smithies (Wigan)

Josh Thewlis (Warrington)

Danny Walker (Warrington)

Jake Wardle (Wigan)

Jack Welsby (St Helens)

George Williams (Warrington)  

Shaun Wane on his youthful squad selection

England coach Wane said: “It was always my intention to pick a young squad for this mid-season game and I am really happy with the final 19 I’ve selected.

“All of these players have been picked based on their form in the Betfred Super League and with an eye on the next Rugby League World Cup in France in 2025.

“I am excited to see how some of these lads go on the international stage and it’s a massive privilege to be able to give them the opportunity to represent our country.”

Saturday’s event in Warrington is a double-header, with both the men’s and women’s sides in action against France.

The England teams will wear a special jersey dedicated to Rob Burrow, with funds raised from shirt sales going towards the MND Association.

Tickets for the double-header at the Halliwell Jones Stadium are available to buy online now from only £20 Adults and £10 Under 16s. For every ticket sold, £2.50 will be donated to the MND Association.

Both games will be shown live on Sky Sports, with the women’s match kicking off at 2pm, followed by the men’s at 4:30pm. 

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