With the World Cup approaching at the end of 2021, there are already debates circulating about who will be in Shaun Wane’s thinking.
Here are the top five contenders to be England’s wingers.
Tommy Makinson
The 2018 Golden Boot winner, Tommy Makinson is almost a shoo-in. He is one of the world’s best wingers and always performers well for England. Still only 29, Makinson should be one of the first names on Wane’s teamsheet.
Jermaine McGillvary
Like Makinson, Jermaine McGillvary always plays well for England and the winger enjoyed something of a renaissance in 2020 for Huddersfield. He will be 33 when the World Cup comes around, but McGillvary is still at the top of his game, it just remains to be seen how his 2021 will go.
Tom Johnstone
Arguably one of the unluckiest players with injury, Tom Johnstone has been on the cusp of England selection for a few years now. Two ACL calamities (one in each leg) later and 25-year-old Johnstone should finally be raring to go in 2021. If he stays fit, the Wakefield man should be able to build on his one England cap.
Dom Manfredi
Another winger that has had terrible injuries to deal with, Dom Manfredi has always been a superb winger for Wigan – if he can get on the field. Still just 27, Manfredi has a massive year ahead of him in Super League. He is greatly trusted by Adrian Lam and Wane used to rate the winger highly.
Ash Handley
Super League’s top try-scorer in 2020, Ash Handley has gone from an outsider at Leeds to one of their most important players. With pace to burn, Handley would offer England a different dimension. If he has another superb year in Super League, the Rhino could well be knocking on Wane’s door.
