Shaun Wane Unveils Experienced and Youthful England Squad for France Test
Shaun Wane’s 20-man England squad for the upcoming Test against France features a blend of seasoned campaigners, rising talents, and some of Super League’s most in-form players. Notably, six debutants have earned their first senior call-ups, reflecting the depth of quality in the national team setup.
Rewarding Club-level Performances
Players such as Sam Wood and Elliot Minchella have been rewarded for their impressive club-level performances in recent months, but Wane may have overlooked several other deserving individuals. The England head coach is expected to provide an update later this week on any potential withdrawals or injury concerns within the squad.
Missed Opportunities
While Salford Red Devils will be relieved to have no representatives in the international team, several of their standout performers have been unfortunate to miss out. Oliver Partington, Marc Sneyd, Deon Cross, and Liam Marshall have all been in outstanding form for their clubs, making strong cases for inclusion.
“Warrington Wolves’ Josh Thewlis and Wigan Warriors’ Junior Nsemba are two other high-profile omissions, with both players having caught the eye of rugby league enthusiasts across the country. Huddersfield Giants’ Sam Halsall, another consistent contributor at the club level, has also missed the cut.”
Building Towards the 2026 Rugby League World Cup
Wane has acknowledged that he is building towards the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, and the age factor may have influenced some of his selections. Nevertheless, the excluded players will undoubtedly have their sights set on future international opportunities as they continue to impress in the Super League competition.
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