FOUR Warrington Wolves players have been included in England’s squad for this weekend’s mid-season Test against France.
Head coach Shaun Wane has named a 20-man squad with an eye on the future, with six potential debutants in contention to play in Toulouse on Saturday.
All of the Wire players named have been capped – half-back George Williams will skipper the side while Ben Currie will hope to add to his nine England appearances.
Prop James Harrison and back-rower Matty Nicholson both made their England debuts in last season’s mid-season game against France and are in the frame to feature again this weekend.
However, there is no place in the squad for winger Matty Ashton, who scored three tries in two games against Tonga at the end of last year but was taken off injured during Warrington’s victory over Hull FC on Saturday.
Josh Thewlis, who has been involved in the past three international camps without yet making his debut, is also not included.
The squad is made up of Super League-based players, with those plying their trade in the NRL set to come into consideration for the season-ending two-Test series against Samoa.
“I’m pleased with the squad we’ve brought together for this mid-season international and there is a strong balance between some more experienced international players and some newer faces to the England squad,” Wane said.
“All of the new players who have come into the squad have impressed me with their performances in the Betfred Super League this season and have earned their spot in this England squad.
“Having travelled to face France back in 2021, we know they will offer us a stern test which is exactly what we need ahead of the two-game series against Samoa this autumn.”
England squad for mid-season Test vs France
Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves), George Delaney (St Helens), Tyler Dupree (Wigan Warriors), Ash Handley (Leeds Rhinos), James Harrison (Warrington Wolves), Tom Johnstone (Catalans Dragons), Matty Lees (St Helens), Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten (both Hull KR), James McDonnell (Leeds Rhinos), Elliot Minchella (Hull KR), Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos), Matty Nicholson (Warrington Wolves), Brad O’Neill, Harry Smith, Luke Thompson (all Wigan Warriors), Jack Welsby (St Helens), George Williams (Warrington Wolves), Oliver Wilson (Huddersfield Giants), Sam Wood (Castleford Tigers)
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