Shaun Wane names eye-catching England squad with vast overhaul overseen

Shaun Wane has named a 40-man England squad as preparations for the 2025 World Cup take another stride forward. Wane has named a new-look, young group of players that will be a part of his preparations for the upcoming game against France and provisionally for the anticipated Test series with Tonga later this year.

There are vast changes. Only ten members of last year's World Cup squad have been named in the group, though many are ruled out by default due to playing their domestic rugby in the NRL. The likes of Sam Tomkins, Ryan Hall, Micky McIlorum, Marc Sneyd and Kallum Watkins are all absent, though there is a space for 35-year-old Chris Hill.

Among the notable call-ups are Warrington Wolves due Josh Thewlis and James Harrison, who are two of numerous players named for the first time. Salford's Tyler Dupree, Huddersfield's Oliver Wilson and Leeds back-rower Morgan Gannon are also included. In total there are ten props named, with the likes of Ethan Havard and Tom Holroyd also included. Hull KR's Jordan Abdull, Mikey Lewis and Jez Litten also earn a place in Wane's 40.

Equally eye-catching are some of the players not included. Leeds Rhinos forward Cameron Smith and Salford's Oli Partington have not made the cut while Jake Connor has remained out of favour and not been included. In form players such as Josh Charnley and Ryan Brierley have also been overlooked.

St Helens, Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors have the largest contingent with eight players apiece. Four clubs, Castleford Tigers, Hull FC, Leigh Leopards and Wakefield Trinity, have none of their players included.

Representatives per Super League club: St Helens, Warrington Wolves, Wigan Warriors (all 8), Leeds Rhinos (5), Catalans Dragons, Huddersfield Giants, Hull KR (all 3), Salford Red Devils (2), Castleford Tigers, Hull FC, Leigh Leopards, Wakefield Trinity (all 0)

NRL players will be considered for selection if the series against Tonga does go ahead while all 40 players will not feature in the game against France later this month. The squad consists of nine players who represented England Knights last year ahead of the World Cup.

40-man England squad

Fullback: Will Pryce, Jack Welsby,

Wing: Matty Ashton, Tom Davies, Ash Handley, Tom Johnstone, Tommy Makinson, Liam Marshall, Josh Thewlis

Centre: Toby King, Harry Newman, Mark Percival, Jake Wardle

Halfback: Jordan Abdull, Lewis Dodd, Mikey Lewis, Jonny Lomax, Harry Smith, George Williams

Prop: Tyler Dupree, James Harrison, Ethan Havard, Chris Hill, Tom Holroyd, Matty Lees, Mike McMeeken, Mikolaj Oledzki, Alex Walmsley, Oliver Wilson

Hooker: Andy Ackers, Daryl Clark, Jez Litten, Danny Walker

Second-row: Ben Currie, Liam Farrell, Morgan Gannon, Matty Nicholson, Kai Pearce-Paul

Loose forward: Morgan Knowles, Morgan Smithies

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