Three potential candidates for England captain at the next World Cup

With the World Cup now finished, it’s time to reflect on what was a mixed tournament for England.

After starting the tournament with a rout of Samoa and then two routine wins against France and Greece they looked in fine form as the knockout stages approached.

A fantastic performance against Papua New Guinea in the quarter-final set up a tournament rematch against Samoa in which England crashed out of competition on golden point.

The end of the tournament likely signalled the last time a number of players would represent England at a World Cup.

One of them players will likely be captain Sam Tomkins who will be 36 by the time the World Cup roles back around in 2025.

A new captain will need to take the full backs place as England look to go better than this years semi-final.

Victor Radley

Declaring his allegiance to England this year, Radley enjoyed a great first World Cup and was awarded for his performances with an inclusion in the team of the tournament. Playing at loose forward, he was a clear leader for the England side and was a key component in the way Shaun Wane wanted England to play. He will be 27 by the time the next World Cup starts and would be a brilliant candidate at captain during the prime of his career.

John Bateman

It feels like John Bateman has been around forever but he will still only be 31 by the time the World Cup in 2025 takes place, and with a heap of international experience he would be a great captain for England. Already one of the leaders in the England camp, Bateman would lead from the front as a no nonsense forward who does his talking with his ability.

George Williams

Like Tomkins, having an intelligent skill position player as a captain is always a smart move and Williams fits that description. He would be 31 by the time the next World Cup takes place and after a strong competition which saw him named as the half back of the tournament, he would be an intelligent captain for the squad. It’s no guarantee he will still be in the England squad come 2025 with his performances at Warrington leaving a lot to be desired but if he can bring his England form to club level he looks set to keep hold of the seven jersey.