The obvious opponents England should face in 2023 as questions remain over Shaun Wane

A lot of fuss has been made over the last few days about the future of England.

In just over three months’ time, England have a game against France, their first since Rugby League World Cup heartache at the Emirates in the semi-final denying themselves a chance to come up against Australia for the first time since the last World Cup Final in 2017.

However, there is a question mark over that game against France. That’s because the review into the World Cup is still on going and this could determine whether ex-Wigan Warriors Shaun Wane will remain in the England hotseat.

Meanwhile, there are worries over what next for England after this fixture. England want a series of games at the end of 2023 and during the World Cup the likes of New Zealand and Australia threw their hats into the ring.

In fact, the likes of Latrell Mitchell called on England to head down under for the first Ashes Series in years.

However, according to Rugby League Live, the likes of New Zealand and Australia will not be playing England in 2023.

So, what should England do?

The answer is clear. England’s opponents should of course be Samoa. The side who ended England’s World Cup hopes, the marketing writes itself as England look to avenge their defeat at the hands of Matt Parish’s side last year.

It is also something of a right of passage. How can you hope to take on Australia if you haven’t beaten Samoa.

It would also be another chance to see some of the best NRL players around at present with many of the Samoans coming from the NRL Champions Penrith Panthers.

Of course, Tonga is another option but the Samoa fixtures would be easy to market and would help build a new and exciting rugby league rivalry.