“Obviously over the moon and excited because I genuinely never expected it to come.” Salford Red Devils duo speak about their surprise and excitement in their England selection

Marc Sneyd and Andy Ackers were not two names you would have expected to see in England’s World Cup squad when this season kicked off, but after an excellent year with the Salford Red Devils they find themselves in Shaun Wanes squad as the World Cup rapidly approaches.

Narrowly missing out on a second Grand Final in four seasons, the Red Devils had a dream first season under new Head Coach Paul Rowley which has led to three Salford players in the England squad.

Speaking to BBC radio 5live the pair discuss their surprise at being selected and how excited they are for the upcoming tournament.

“I didn’t expect the phone call it caught me off guard to be honest,” Sneyd said. “Obviously over the moon and excited because I genuinely never expected it to come.

“It wasn’t on my radar but its obviously on the back of your mind because it’s always a dream to do.”

Sneyd found out after Salford’s superb play off win over the Huddersfield Giants and believes finding out so late has helped him prepare.

“The Sunday after the Huddersfield game he (Wane) gave us a call to tell me I was in the fall out squad,” Sneyd said. “I haven’t had loads of time to be overly excited which I think has been a good thing as I’ve been able to just crack on and do my thing.”

His teammate and hooker Andy Ackers also was taken aback with the news he had made the squad.

Ackers had a breakout year for the Red Devils forming a great partnership with his halves current Man of Steel Brodie Croft and now England compatriot Sneyd.

“Its been a goal of mine all my life,” Ackers said. “To be honest I was a bit took back it was overwhelming, I think I cried for two to three days after the phone call.

“It was an emotional time for me and my family. The phone call from Shaun was on par with my Son being born.”

Ackers Salford Head Coach Paul Rowley also lined up in the number nine position for England in the 2000 World Cup and is one of the big reasons Salford are well represented within this England squad.

“It’s the confidence that Paul (Rowley) has delivered this year,” Ackers continued. “It’s like a band of brothers and everyone loves it there at Salford.”

Ackers and Sneyd are both in line for their England debuts on Friday as they take on Fiji in a World Cup warm up fixture.