England head coach Brian McDermott has named an unchanged 19-man squad for Saturday’s Rugby League World Cup clash against France. The decision comes despite England suffering a 30-12 defeat to Tonga in their tournament opener.
Mikey Lewis remains absent from the squad for the second consecutive match, though no specific reason for his continued unavailability was provided in the official announcement.
Key Facts
- England unchanged for France clash
- 19-man squad retained after Tonga loss
- Opening defeat was 30-12 to Tonga
- Mikey Lewis absent again
Sticking with the Same Squad
Brian McDermott confirmed he would retain the full 19-man squad selected for the opening match. This includes all players who featured in the heavy loss to Tonga, suggesting confidence in the group despite the poor start.
The continuity shows McDermott’s trust in the core team, but it also raises questions about selection adjustments following a lopsided defeat. With limited squad rotation allowed under tournament rules, the coach’s faith in the current roster signals stability—or potentially a lack of ready alternatives.
What Happens Next?
England will face France in their second group-stage fixture. A win is essential to keep their World Cup campaign alive, especially after a disappointing start that left them playing catch-up in the standings.
Lewis Still Missing
Mikey Lewis continues to be unavailable for selection, marking his second missed match of the tournament. No further details regarding the nature of his absence were disclosed by the coaching staff.
His continued exclusion leaves the squad light in certain positions, particularly in the backs where his creativity and experience would typically provide a tactical edge. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for any update on his availability for future fixtures.
What We Know — and What We Don’t
Verified by the source:
- England head coach Brian McDermott retained the same 19-man squad.
- England lost their opening match 30-12 to Tonga.
- Mikey Lewis remains absent from the squad.
Still unconfirmed:
- Reason for Mikey Lewis’s continued absence.
- Whether any player ratings or injuries contributed to the loss.
- If any tactical changes are planned ahead of the France game.
Why It Matters
For England, maintaining squad consistency may offer cohesion, but the scale of the opening loss suggests urgent improvements are needed before facing stronger opponents. The choice to keep faith with the same group reflects either confidence or constraint—and the result against France could define their entire tournament trajectory.
What to Watch
All eyes will be on England’s performance against France, particularly whether the unchanged lineup can deliver better results. Any update on Mikey Lewis’s status may also emerge ahead of kickoff.
England retains the same 19-man squad for their Rugby League World Cup clash with France after a 30-12 loss to Tonga. Mikey Lewis remains absent from selection.