“I did everything I could” – Mark Percival on missing out on England as St Helens star reveals “setbacks”

Today Shaun Wane will announce his England squad for the World Cup, but things keep getting worse for Wane and his squad selection.

Already without the likes of Alex Walmsley, Liam Farrell and Harry Newman through injury with all likely first choice options in their positions, things have only gotten worse for England.

Yesterday it was confirmed that Jonny Lomax and Mark Percival will not be available for the tournament through injury.

Both recently helped St Helens to a fourth consecutive title against Leeds last week with Lomax picking up the Harry Sunderland Award as Man of the Match whilst Percival scored a decisive try in the win.

Lomax went into the game having managed a ruptured bicep for months whilst Percival had only just returned from a knee injury.

Some have been critical of both for prioritising their club over their country with their focus on winning the Grand Final leaving their bodies in a unfit state for England. This comes at an ironic time after IMG recommended a greater focus on international rugby league.

However, Percival has come out on Twitter to underline his frustration and that he “did everything” to play for his country but has suffered more setbacks.

He said: “Devastated and frustrated. I did everything I could to get back for England but yesterday’s scans showed further set backs leaving me with no option. Wishing the lads the best.”

Either way, it leaves a hole in Wane’s squad especially with Newman also ruled out.

Oliver Gildart and Herbie Farnworth will now be even more important to the squad as could Kallum Watkins who is now an option at centre and second-row.