Rating every England player’s performance in the Rugby League World Cup

Now that the Rugby League World Cup has come to an end, it is a time for reflection.

England’s tournament ended last week but many hoped to see them in the final yesterday.

As the dust settles, we’re rating every England player’s tournament.

1 Sam Tomkins 6/10
Tomkins was a selfless player when England were shining in the tournament allowing George Williams and Jack Welsby to shine. He at times didn’t look fully fit after an injury hit season. The semi-final summed up his tournament. He came up with some superb moments kicking the ball and playing his part in Herbie Farnworth’s try, but also gave away the crucial forward pass.

2 Tommy Makinson 9/10
Overshadowed by Dom Young at first but a constant metre maker. Hardly put a foot wrong all tournament. The St Helens star scored plenty of tries.

3 Kallum Watkins 7/10
Was superb until the semi-finals. A powerful runner, he generated speed in the England attack and got over for the odd try. Was uncharacteristically found out by Salford Red Devils teammate Tim Lafai in the semi.

4 Herbie Farnworth 8/10
Similar tournament to Watkins however he saved his best till last scoring an outstanding brace against Samoa.

5 Ryan Hall 6/10
In his two appearances scored plenty of tries but couldn’t force his way into the first choice 13.

6 Jack Welsby 7/10
The St Helens star was sensational against Samoa in the opener. He then didn’t play in the halves again until the knockouts in a strange move. Welsby then, like many of his teammate, produced his worst display in the semi-final. Still looked dangerous at times.

7 George Williams 9/10
One of England’s best players. The Warrington Wolves man was a constant running threat and created plenty of tries too even in the semi. Three tries and 13 assists and an average of 101 metres per game.

8 Tom Burgess 9/10
A brilliant tournament for the prop who is very open to a Super League move and especially Leeds Rhinos. He bust up almost every team he played against.

9 Michael McIlorum 7/10
A brilliant defensive present all tournament for England and was selfless like Tomkins in allowing others to shine.

10 Luke Thompson 7/10
A brilliant player off the bench in the first two games but then didn’t play again until the semi-finals in a shock twist. Still a quality forward.

11 Elliot Whitehead 8/10
Some fantastic touches and moments in attack and defence which underlined his quality. Consistent throughout.

12 John Bateman 8/10
Came up with some big moment and some huge tackles throughout the tournament. He missed the first game but the Wigan Warriors star got over the rumours about his future to play well.

13 Victor Radley 9/10
The intercept against Samoa, Radley was almost faultless in the tournament. Aggressive defence from the Sydney Roosters 13 was the glue that held England together.

14 Dom Young 9/10
The tournament’s breakout superstar, he scored some sensational tries and was also a metre maker as well. A pity he like others saved his worst display for last.

15 Morgan Knowles 8/10
Under the radar by starting on the bench so often but a real worker and gave England the added 1%.

16 Matty Lees 7/10
The St Helens man wasn’t really given as much of a chance to shine especially as he missed out on the semi-final.

17 Mike Cooper 7/10
Steady away off the bench for England. Had a big impact in the semi against Samoa.

18 Chris Hill 9/10
The Huddersfield Giants prop was exceptional like Tom Burgess. The pair routinely carved up teams.

19 Andy Ackers 6/10
When he played he looked dangerous but was only given two appearances throughout the tournament.

20 Mike McMeeken 7/10
Played the majority of games and have England size and impact. The ex-Castleford Tigers man was nearly the game breaker against Samoa last week with a big hit.

21 Marc Sneyd 7/10
Unlucky to miss the knockouts after some accomplished displays against France and Greece.

22 Joe Batchelor 6/10
Only got one game under his belt which is a shame for the St Helens star who was brilliant for the Super League Champions.

23 Mikolaj Oledzki 6/10
Like Batchelor, Oledzki only got one run out all tournament. More to come in the future from the young Leeds Rhinos star.

24 Kai Pearce-Paul 6/10
Played one game and played well in it. Never got the chance to play backrow. 

Shaun Wane – 7/10
Made some big calls and had England playing ruthless rugby league at the start of the tournament. He was as shocked as anyone to see his side slip up in the semi-finals and produce their worst performance of the tournament. May want some big decisions back again but onwards and upwards.