England call up for three Warriors

Wigan Warriors’ John Bateman, Liam Farrell and Zak Hardaker have all been named by Shaun Wane in a 20-man squad for Saturday’s international against France at the Stade Gilbert Brutus in Perpignan.

England Head Coach Shaun Wane says: “Things are always going to be fluid up to a point with form and injuries, but I’m more than happy that we have the players to get the job done. Every player is in on merit and they know what’s expected of them. Each one is a credit to their club, they have adapted themselves well at training and bring a very positive mindset.   

“There’s no doubt it’s going to be tough. Catalans Dragons players dominate the French squad and their fans are fanatical. We’ll work hard in training this week and we’ll be raring to go come game day. The players are ready to do England proud.”

England squad to face France:

Jordan Abdull (Hull KR), Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves), Tom Davies (Catalans Dragons), Niall Evalds (Castleford Tigers), John Bateman (Wigan Warriors), Mike Cooper (Warrington Wolves), Liam Farrell, Zak Hardaker (both Wigan Warriors), Morgan Knowles (St Helens), Kruise Leeming (Leeds Rhinos), Matty Lees, Jonny Lomax (both St Helens), Reece Lyne (Wakefield Trinity), Paul McShane (Castleford Tigers), Tommy Makinson (St Helens), Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos), Mikolaj Oledzki (Leeds Rhinos), Joe Philbin, Danny Walker (both Warrington Wolves), Alex Walmsley (St Helens).

France versus England will be shown live on BBC TV on Saturday 23rd October – part of an international double-header also featuring the England Women’s team against their French counterparts. The Women’s match will be shown live on BBC2 with a midday kick-off UK-time – the first England Women’s international to be broadcast on terrestrial TV – followed by live coverage of the Men’s international on BBC1 at 2:30pm.

England last played France in October 2018, claiming a comfortable 44-6 victory at Leigh Sports Village.

Monday 18 October 2021