Smith: Great feeling
- Harry Smith described the ‘great feeling’ of being called up to England’s 20-player squad to face France this weekend.
- Smith: “I’m buzzing as it’s a great feeling to be picked to represent England again.”
- France v England, Saturday 29 June, 5pm (BST).
Harry Smith described the ‘great feeling’ of being called up to ENGLAND’S 20-PLAYER SQUAD TO FACE FRANCE IN TOULOUSE THIS WEEKEND.
The half-back, who was named the Player of the Series in England’s triumph over Tonga last Autumn, is one of four Warriors to be selected in Shaun Wane’s squad to take on France at the Stade Ernest-Wallon on Saturday evening.
Speaking on his call up, Smith said: “I’m buzzing as it’s a great feeling to be picked to represent England again. It’s exciting at any time to be able to play for your country and I’m looking forward to getting out with all the lads this weekend. Hopefully we’ll play well in France and get the job done.”
Smith joined the rest of the squad at Robin Park Arena on Wednesday morning where England will train in preparation for the clash in Toulouse.
On settling into camp, Smith said: “At first it can be a bit different as you haven’t been in each others company before but everyone is here because they’re top professionals and top lads. It’s great when you train and play with the best players as it improves your game which is what I like about being with England.”
Tyler Dupree, Luke Thompson and Brad O’Neill, who if selected will make his England debut, have been named in the squad alongside Smith.
On playing alongside teammates on the international stage, Smith said: “It’s brilliant as all the lads have earnt this – especially Brad who has been playing really well. I’m looking forward to playing with him at this level as we’ve played alongside each other a lot so he knows how I like to play and vice versa.”
England’s four Warriors could come up against Club teammate Tiaki Chan at the Stade Ernest-Wallon after the forward was named in France’s 22-player squad for the fixture.
On facing Chan, Smith said: “It would be brilliant but a bit strange as we’ve spent most the year training alongside each other. Tiaki is a great lad and I’m sure as Wigan lads we’ll all be looking to get stuck into each other this weekend.”
Focusing on the opposition, Smith said: “We are expecting a real test against a very strong French team. We know the crowd will be on top of us and that France will be at their best so it’s important we all do our jobs to make sure we come out on the right side of the result.”
Saturday’s international double-header in Toulouse, which includes England Women’s clash against France Women (2:30pm K.O.), will be streamed live on SuperLeague+.
Harry Smith is sponsored by Bluesky Plumbing
