Predicted 2025 England line-up vs Australia with key winger and pack decisions made

England are set to take on Australia – for the first time since the 2017 World Cup final – next autumn.

Originally scheduled for Down Under, the three-Test series is expected to be played in this country in October and November.

Coach Shaun Wane’s home side will go into the campaign in a confident mood following successive series whitewashes against Tonga and Samoa, but who is likely to line up for England? A lot could change between now and then, but here’s a production for England’s possible starting 13 and bench.

Full-back: It’s hard to see St Helens star Jack Welsby being deposed from his slot as last line of defence.

Wings: England are blessed with some good wingers. When available, Wakefield Trinity’s Tom Johnstone, Catalans Dragons recruit Tommy Makinson and Leeds Rhinos’ Ash Handley are three who will state a strong claim, but NRL-based Dom Young – if he stays fit and doesn’t switch codes – is virtually nailed on to face the Aussies. Warrington Wolves’ Matty Ashton featured in both Tests against Samoa, but Liam Marshall, of Wigan Warriors, might edge him out next year.

Centre: Herbie Farnsworth, of NRL club Dolphins, showed his world class in the series against Samoa and is a shoe-in if he stays healthy. Wigan’s Dream Team centre Jake Wardle missed the Samoa series through injury, but will be fancied for an Ashes call-up at Rhinos star Harry Newman’s expense.

Half-backs: Lewis Dodd could stake a claim with some stronger performances for South Sydney in the NRL, but it’ll be a surprise if George Williams (Warrington) and Harry Smith (Wigan) don’t continue as England’s six and seven.

Prop: Somebody could break through this year. St Helens’ George Delaney is a dark horse and Tyler Dupree (Wigan) and the Leeds pairing of Mikolaj Oledzki and Tom Holroyd have all had recent England experience. But Wigan’s Luke Thompson will be hard to shift and – given his NRL background – Huddersfield Giants’ Tom Burgess is also a strong favourite.

Hooker: It will probably be Daryl Clark, if he has another strong year for St Helens. Warrington’s Danny Walker has a chance though and if Leeds go well Andy Ackers – or possibly Jarrod O’Connor – could force their way into the picture.

Second-row: Next year will surely be a season too far for John Bateman and Super League’s young player of the year Junior Nsemba is likely to replace him in the 13. The current Wigan man could be paired with a former one in Kai Pearce-Paul, now of Newcastle Knights.

Loose-forward: It’ll be a shock if Sydney Roosters’ Victor Radley doesn’t keep his spot. His NRL experience will be invaluable.

Subs: Man of Steel Mikey Lewis should be in the 17, if he has another strong year. Matty Lees, Mike McMeekan and Ethan Havard could be replacement forwards.

Predicted England 13 to face Australia: Welsby, Young, Wardle, Farnworth, Marshall, Williams, H Smith, Thompson, Clark, Burgess, Nsemba, Pearce-Paul, Radley. Subs: Lewis, Lee, McMeeken, Harvard.