England ace George Williams ruled out of Denver Test

England half-back George Williams has been ruled out of Saturday’s Test against New Zealand after suffering a knee injury.

The squad arrived in the United States on Sunday and Williams was assessed by the England medical staff.

England have now confirmed that he has been ruled out with a knee injury suffered in Wigan Warriors’ win at Hull FC last weekend.

Williams will remain with the England camp this week in Denver and continue to receive treatment from England.

No replacement will be brought into the squad.

With Williams now being ruled out, it is expected that Stefan Ratchford will start at full-back, with Gareth Widdop and Jonny Lomax in the halves. Jake Connor is expected to be a utility option on the bench.

A reminder of England’s squad for the Denver Test:

John Bateman (Wigan Warriors)

George Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Sam Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Jake Connor (Hull FC)

James Graham (St George Illawarra Dragons)

Ryan Hall (Leeds Rhinos)

Chris Hill (Warrington Wolves)

Jonny Lomax (St Helens)

Tommy Makinson (St Helens)

Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield Giants)

Sean O’Loughlin (Wigan Warriors)

Mark Percival (St Helens)

Stefan Ratchford (Warrington Wolves)

James Roby (St Helens)

Luke Thompson (St Helens)

Gareth Widdop (St George Illawarra Dragons)

Elliott Whitehead (Canberra Raiders)