news.today
Hello · Register today | LoginHello · My Account[—] [32]
Sport

England unchanged for France after Tonga World Cup loss

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 08:20 · Archive

England keep their same squad for Saturday's Rugby League World Cup match against France despite losing 30-12 to Tonga.

England coach Brian McDermott has named an unchanged 19-man squad for Saturday's Rugby League World Cup match against France in Perth. This comes despite England's 30-12 defeat by Tonga in their opening Group B-C game, which was the country's first ever loss to Tonga and has left their semi-final chances in danger.

AJ Brimson retains his place at full-back, with Jack Welsby among the interchanges. Luke Thompson continues at prop with Morgan Knowles still unavailable through injury. Harry Smith and England captain George Williams remain in the half-back roles despite being overpowered by Tonga last weekend. Mikey Lewis, selected ahead of 2025 Super League Man of Steel Jake Connor, is again left out of the team.

McDermott has chosen to keep faith in his players rather than make changes. Veteran centre Kallum Watkins is listed among the reserves as he seeks a cap at his fourth World Cup. For France, Thomas Lacans has been promoted to start at five-eighth, with several changes to their starting XV from their previous match.

England unchanged for France after Tonga World Cup loss
Image: Sky Sports

Comments (0)

How it is being reported

In this story: England · France · Tonga · Brian McDermott · AJ Brimson · George Williams · Perth

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem