Warrington Wolves players in contention for England squad

And as Shaun Wane finalises his squad for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup on home soil, there will be plenty of Wire players hoping to be in his thinking.

However, will the club’s poor season on the field affect their chances?

Wane’s squad for the tournament, which gets underway against Samoa at Newcastle’s St James’ Park in just over a fortnight, is set to be named on Friday.

Here is a look at the Warrington players who will look to be involved…

GEORGE WILLIAMS

Among the Wire players hoping to be involved, the half-back appears the most certain to be picked.

When his place in the international set-up was being called into question earlier in the year amid a dip in form for both himself personally and Warrington, Wane gave Williams his unequivocal backing.

An impressive showing in the mid-season game against the Combined Nations All-Stars followed and he finished the Super League season in solid personal form despite Wire’s continued struggles.

Expect him to not only be involved but start the Samoa game in the halves.

George Williams is arguably the Warrington player most likely to feature in the England squad. Picture by SWPix.com (Image: SWPix.com)

DARYL CLARK

A mainstay in England squads through the years, Clark will be aiming to play at his first World Cup having missed out in 2017.

However, competition in the hooking position is strong – Wane has often preferred Castleford’s Paul McShane while Catalans’ Michael McIlorum came into the fold in mid-season.

As such, Clark and Leeds skipper Kruise Leeming turned out for the Combined Nations against England with the hope of impressing Wane.

James Roby’s international retirement and Josh Hodgson’s injury have boosted his chances, but he has a bit of traffic to get through with Salford’s Andy Ackers also pressing his claim after an impressive season.

Daryl Clark faces intense competition for the hooking role. Picture by SWPix.com (Image: SWPix.com)

JAKE WARDLE

Although technically no longer a Warrington player, Wardle’s form during his loan spell at The Halliwell Jones Stadium could put him in contention.

He touched down six times in 11 appearances after joining from Huddersfield Giants in June, with Wire keen to tie him to the club longer-term.

And he is, of course, the man in possession of a centre spot having marked his England debut with a try against the Combined Nations All-Stars.

With St Helens’ Mark Percival returning from injury and with NRL players Herbie Farnworth and Oliver Gildart to come into consideration, competition in the three-quarter line is fierce.

Plus, his addition to the England Knights squad for this weekend's game against France B in Bordeaux suggests he may not be involved with the senior side.

Jake Wardle scored on his England debut earlier this year. Picture by SWPix.com (Image: SWPix.com)

BEN CURRIE

About to enter his Testimonial year with Wire, Currie will aim to go to his third World Cup – he featured in England’s run to the final in 2017 and turned out for Ireland in 2013.

However, he is perhaps in the position where England are healthiest with the likes of Wigan pair John Bateman and Liam Farrell expected to be foremost among Wane’s thoughts as well as Canberra Raiders’ Elliot Whitehead.

St Helens’ Joe Batchelor, Catalans’ Mike McMeeken and Salford’s Kallum Watkins are also among the second-row options.

Ben Currie in England training. Picture by SWPix.com (Image: SWPix.com)

STEFAN RATCHFORD

Both Wane and his predecessor Wayne Bennett have shown a fondness for Ratchford through the years, with his ability to turn his hand to pretty much any position a valuable asset in a tournament scenario.

As such, he may well be in Wane’s thinking as a utility option although in St Helens’ Jack Welsby, who has excelled at full-back, centre, wing and half-back in his young career, he looks to have that option covered.

Stefan Ratchford's versatility could count in his favour. Picture by SWPix.com (Image: SWPix.com)