Shaun Wane makes three changes to his England line-up for second Samoa Test

Shaun Wane has made three changes to his England matchday squad to take on Samoa at Headingley this afternoon. England beat Samoa last weekend in the first Test at the Brick Community Stadium and they’ll be looking to claim a series win this afternoon in the final contest of the autumn.

Liam Marshall is the only change to the backline, with Super League’s top scorer for 2024 stepping onto the wing to replace Dom Young, who misses out. The winger will be keen to make his mark on the international stage and put down something of a marker.

The Wigan Warriors man is joined in the starting XIII by his club teammate Junior Nsemba, who is also making his debut for England. The second-rower steps in to the line-up in place of Kai Pearce-Paul, with John Bateman and Victor Radley keeping their spots in the back-row.

Luke Thompson missed the first Test through suspension, but the Wigan man has been named on the bench, with Tom Burgess the man dropping out of the fold.

Mikey Lewis is named on the bench once more, with Morgan Knowles and Mike McMeeken among those looking to make impacts as substitutes, too. Warrington Wolves’ Ben Currie is the 18th man for the second week running.

England line-up: Jack Welsby; Matty Ashton, Harry Newman, Herbie Farnworth, Liam Marshall; George Williams, Harry Smith; Ethan Havard, Daryl Clark, Matty Lees, John Bateman, Junior Nsemba, Victor Radley.

Bench: Mikey Lewis, Morgan Knowles, Mike McMeeken, Luke Thompson.

Samoa line-up: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck; Jeral Skelton, Jake Tago, Junior Pauga, Deine Mariner; Blaize Seuala-Talagi, Jarome Luai; Francis Molo, Jazz Tevaga, Terrell May, Shawn Blore, Jeremiah Nanai, Luciano Leilua.

Bench: Simi Sasagi, Keenan Palasia, Lazarus Vaalepu, Gordon Chan Kum Tong.