The games Shaun Wane’s England must play in preparations for 2025 Rugby League World Cup

England’s Rugby League World Cup campaign came to a cruel end as they lost in Golden Point extra time to Samoa in the semi-final at the Emirates on Saturday.

It was a Stephen Crichton drop goal that devastated England after a couple of crucial errors in extra time after England had thought hard to come back three times.

So, how does ex-Wigan Warriors boss Shaun Wane get his side back to the World Cup Final which they contested in 2017.

The next World Cup is in 2025 in France where Great Britain last won it back in 1972.

It’s clear that England need to play more games if they’re going to be ready for a World Cup and take on their rivals.

England also should be playing a mid-season international which is something IMG are suggesting.

With the next World Cup in France, it makes sense for England to go away to France in 2023 and 2024.

Meanwhile, I would like to see England take on one of their main rivals for the trophy away in 2025 which is what they did in 2017 when they made the journey over to Samoa which is something we should be seeing more often.

At the end of next season, England should take on New Zealand in a series after all they were a big part of England’s development in 2015 and 2018. A warm-up against France would be wise.

In 2024, an Ashes series should certainly be on the cards especially one in Australia to truly test Shaun Wane’s side. Amongst this series, England should take on the likes of Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Samoa.

Here’s my full suggestion of what England’s fixtures should look like from now to the next World Cup:

2023 Mid-Season 

France vs England

2023 End of Season

England vs France
England vs New Zealand
England vs New Zealand
England vs New Zealand

2024 Mid-Season

France vs England

2024 End of Season

2025 Rugby League World Cup