It’s been one of the most talked about games, but the England fixture against the All Stars is hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

With Super League sides already facing troubling times in terms of fielding 17 players, the England-All Nations game on Friday night is set to stretch some clubs to their absolute limits. But, how has social media reacted?

One was confused as to how two English players – Jake Connor and Jermaine McGillvary – were included in the Combined Nations All Stars squad.

I'm confused why are Jake Connor and Jermaine McGillvary in there, and no saints players?

— Steve Langton (@langton301) June 22, 2021

Another was confused as to why Championship players had been picked.

“All stars” consisting with championship players…

— Matthew 🍻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@matthewxsutton) June 22, 2021

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St Helens had no players in the All Stars squad, much to the bewilderment of some fans.

So, no Saints players despite the fact that their game against Hull KR has been postponed due to Covid at HKR side whilst 8 taken from the Hull v Giants game taking place at the same time…Joke.

— Rob Notman (@Robnotman) June 22, 2021

That sentiment was echoed by another fan.

Saints should be ashamed that they’ve not released players to this sqaud.

— Scott 😩 🤦🏻‍♂️👨🏻‍🔬 (@fusionet24) June 22, 2021

Another fan described it as yet another error of the RFL’s ways.

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This is desperate stuff. All it needs now is the game advertised on the side of Eddie Stobart lorries (sold as the Best Sponsorship Deal ever) and we'll have a full house on the "how to humiliate a once-great sport" bingo card.

— Gareth Edwards (@doctor_gedwards) June 22, 2021

One Super League supporter laughed at the English equivalent to State of Origin.

So this is Superleague’s answer to State of Origin. Ha ha ha.

— William Beckett (@innsman) June 22, 2021

One fan couldn’t believe that England were playing at the same time as the rest of Super League.

It’s just a joke that superleague are playing at the same time. Not looking forward to any of the rugby this week. A diluted England team v a diluted all star’s team or clubs who are struggling to field a team in the super league playing each other for the sake of it

— michael martin (@mikeym366) June 22, 2021

Another called the squad “baffling”.

I see 3 England players. How long can this sport go on alienating its supporters?

Just embarrassing. Would you see this anywhere else?

— Chuck (@CharlesSpoonTW) June 22, 2021

Another supporter came up with a one-word statement to describe the situation.

Farce.

— Andrew (@Andrew44576440) June 22, 2021

One supporter couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

Junior Moors binned from Super League and called up for this. 🤦🏻‍♂️ Absolute load of tosh this game, Connor and MacGilvary can’t get in the England team but can turn out for the opposition 😂😂😂 https://t.co/vsfuFJRh1F

— SteadyJDS (@Steady2192) June 22, 2021

A different Twitter user came up with another idea instead.

Should've just had England vs France

— Anthony Vescio (@vesh88) June 22, 2021

Despite this, some people were actually excited for the game.

Looking forward to it

— Mike Rojo (@rojomicko) June 22, 2021

Another supporter was looking forward to watching some players in action.

A truly competitive squad if they can get. Some great talent. Nathan Peats for me could be a standout 🙏🇦🇺❤️💚🐰

— Leagh McGettigan (@LeaghMcgettigan) June 22, 2021

Another was looking forward to seeing some different combinations.

Looking forward to this, if they gel this’ll be a cracking and powerful side for England to test some combinations. McGilvray n Connor with a axe to grind. Shame the HKR players aren’t available or Regan Grace.#RugbyLeague #Eng https://t.co/ojhEPILNxJ

— Ed Easter (@easter_ed) June 22, 2021