Shaun Wane has named his 19-man squad for the Rugby League World Cup quarter-final between England and Papua New Guinea at Wigan Warriors’ DW Stadium.
There are some surprise absentees in the shape of Ryan Hall and Luke Thompson.
So, with that in mind, how will his side line up against the Kumuls?
Fullback: Sam Tomkins
The skipper is back and will add even more class and experience to a side who have been offensively ruthless in the tournament thus far scoring 34 tries. He will add a little bit more to the England 17.
Wingers: Tommy Makinson & Dom Young
With Ryan Hall left out of the 19-man squad, Shaun Wane has all but confirmed that he will return to his starting wingers from the opening game. Both great metre makers, Dom Young is also the competition’s leading try scorer with eight tries.
Centres: Kallum Watkins & Herbie Farnworth
After both missed the win over Greece, Shaun Wane will return to his first choice centres. Both also generate great go forward and ruck speed which will be key in knockout football.
Halfbacks: Jack Welsby & George Williams
Shaun Wane has a three-way choice in the halves, but the quality of Jack Welsby to win a game on his own alongside the in form leader in George Williams means that Wane may return to his first choice halves here despite the brilliance of Marc Sneyd last week.
Props: Tom Burgess & Chris Hill
Both devastated Greece last week off the bench but in the other two games started and got England off to a really strong start. Expect them to do so again.
Hooker: Michael McIlorum
With Andy Ackers not selected in the 19-man squad, Michael McIlorum will start the game at nine and look to control the middle third. Expect Victor Radley to play some minutes in the role.
Second-rowers: Elliot Whitehead & John Bateman
Former Canberra Raiders teammates again reunite in the backrow after their moment of magic helped England defeat France in the second game. Hard workers, both possess that bit of extra quality too.
Loose-forward: Victor Radley
He has played every game so far starting at 13 and, despite the fact he picked up a bang last week, will feature at 13 again and look to be the glue at the heart of the England performance.
Substitutes: Morgan Knowles, Matty Lees, Mike Cooper & Mick McMeeken
The big question is will Shaun Wane include Marc Sneyd on the bench to offer something different if England need a try. With no Ackers, it’s possible but Wane may max out with size with St Helens duo Morgan Knowles and Matt Lees as well as Wigan Warriors prop Mike Cooper. The bench could be completed with Catalans Dragons backrow Mike McMeeken
Castleford Tigers
Castleford Tigers confirm Tex Hoy signing
