“Bang average players” – Fans slam Shaun Wane’s England squad

Shaun Wane has selected his England squad to face France in Toulouse this weekend, and fans have had plenty to say about it on social media.

As promised by Wane previously, it’s a mixture of young stars and experienced names in the England squad to take on their French counterparts.

Headlined by the likes of George Williams, Mikey Lewis and Jack Welsby, the side has plenty of the best players in Super League.

It also has young talents such as George Delaney, Brad O’Neill and Matty Nicholson who could make their debuts for England’s first-team.

As well as this, surprise inclusions such as Sam Wood of Castleford and Harry Newman and James McDonnell of Leeds Rhinos have got fans talking.

QUIZ: Can you name these 10 ex-Super League players?

Shaun Wane’s England squad: how social media reacted

Many lamented the overall quality of the squad, especially as there are some lesser-known players selected in the side.

However, we all knew that this side was going to be one with a longer-term view, ahead of Ashes and World Cup action in the coming years, as this France side has been turned over by a strong England side recently.

There’s obviously a focus on letting players prove themselves but this has the squad quality of a Knights team. Just too many absolutely bang average players.

— Robbo (@utdrobbo) June 24, 2024

After seeing this squad, £250 feels about right.

— Kes (@kesXIII) June 24, 2024

No Marc Sneyd

Sneyd has certainly had a special season for Salford Red Devils this year, and many have noted his omission.

The best player in the Super League so far this season has been snubbed…

And I couldn’t be happier about it.

Lovely period of rest for Sneyd and the Salford boys. https://t.co/vz3sS31t79

— Tom Young (@TomYoungSJ) June 24, 2024

No Deon is a joke deserves the chance and no Sneyd when he’s been the best 7 in the comp all year is crazy https://t.co/PvBpjqFUcx

— . (@Juansmagic) June 24, 2024

At 33 years old, he was never likely to be selected – Mikey Lewis, George Williams and Harry Smith have been selected ahead of him.

No Liam Marshall

A key member of this excellent, all-conquering Wihgan Warriors side, Marshall is the top scorer in Super League this season.

He’s largely said to have been one of Super League’s best wingers over a number of years.

However, his name not being on the list means he’ll have to wait even longer if he’s to ever get his first England cap.

England have named an experimental squad to travel to France on Saturday.

Lots of new names. A squad will never please everyone but I do wonder what else Liam Marshall has to do to earn a call up.#RugbyLeague https://t.co/xsP6P7wq50

— The Tryline 🏉 (@TrylineUK) June 24, 2024

Out of curiosity, I wonder what Liam Marshall has to do, to get in the England Squad 🤷‍♂️

— Jonathan (@jonathanl2912) June 24, 2024

Sam Wood included for England

Not many people thought Sam Wood would be named, being in a poor Castleford Tigers team this year, but his performances have earned him a call-up, with many Castleford fans showing their support for him.

Fully deserved

Liked him at Rovers and a regular game time with Cas he’s doing well 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

— Chaz (@ChazHKR1) June 24, 2024

Buzzing for Sam Wood! Easy to overlook with him playing for Cas, but he’s been outstanding this year! https://t.co/zuuM0HgLoa

— Nathan Godfree (@ACN3_) June 24, 2024