Wigan’s Harry Smith poised for England World Cup call-up

Wigan half-back Harry Smith could be set for his first-ever England senior call-up for this year’s World Cup under boss Shaun Wane.

Love Rugby League can reveal that the 22-year-old has opted not to represent Wales at this year’s tournament. Smith qualifies for John Kear’s side through the heritage rule with his grandfather hailing from Cardiff.

The 2022 Challenge Cup winner has not been included in Paul Anderson’s England Knights squad. They face France B and Scotland later this year.

It could mean the youngster is set to earn a call-up to England’s 24-man senior side ahead of the World Cup.

Smith has made 61 appearances already in Super League, scoring 10 tries and kicking 122 goals. The youngster was also influential in Wigan’s Challenge Cup triumph over Huddersfield at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He scored the first try for the Warriors and kicked two from three goals for a 16-14 victory.

England’s half-back options for World Cup

England could be hit with a blow with Jonny Lomax set for medical advice before deciding whether he will be a part of the World Cup tournament.

The 32-year-old St Helens half-back has been carrying a bicep injury since the club’s Super League win over Salford in April.

He told Love Rugby League: “I don’t know decision wise what’s going on or anything like that.

“I’ll speak to the medical team here (at St Helens). Everyone will have a review that might be involved in it in the next few days. And we’ll go from there.

“For the mean time, that won’t be in my mind. It will be celebrating an incredible achievement that we’ve just had.”

England are in a group alongside Samoa, France and Greece at the upcoming World Cup.

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