5 surprise players predicted to be in Shaun Wane’s England squad

VaselineJune 24, 2024

0 3 minutes read

5 surprise players predicted to be in Shaun Wane’s England squad

Shaun Wane is set to confirm England’s squad to face France this weekend, with an announcement expected this afternoon, and he is expected to name a very young squad.

Wane expressed that this game will be used to prepare the younger players for the future with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon as well as an Ashes series expected next year. With these events in mind, the England manager has stated that he will name a young squad with a lot of inexperience.

He also noted that players such as George Williams and Jack Welsby have “credit in the bank”, potentially suggesting both men will not feature in Saturday night’s game. They would be expected to be named in the squad as Wane continues to look to continue the positive feeling he has created around the camp.

With a host of debutants expected after Wane named 15 for this match last year, we look at five men who could be surprise selections when the squad is announced this afternoon at 3pm.

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Five surprise players who could be named in the England squad

Luke Thompson – Wigan Warriors

Credit: Imago Images

Thompson is an odd name to have on a surprise list given his incredible pedigree, but given how many props are available and Wane’s stated intention to promote youth, it might have been expected not be selected.

The reason he should be drafted is because he is among the best in the game and despite his vast experience, including time in the NRL, he is still only 29 years old, making him 31 and it will be in ages. 2026 World Cup.

Another key reason to bring him into the team boils down to the fact that he was in the NRL, meaning he had less time compared to the rest of the team. His selection will see him cement those connections and also provide a natural leader to some of the younger props expected to be named.

Sam Walters – Wigan Warriors

Credit: Imago Images

Another Wigan man who could be called up is Sam Walters, the second-row striker who has struggled with injury so far this season. Walters signed before the season from Leeds Rhinos but played a limited number of games for Matt Peet’s side.

He’s only made three appearances, but those have been the most recent three games and he’s impressed with those outings. The fact that he is only 23 means that Wane will almost certainly see him as part of his England squad for the future, making his selection a shrewd one.

Jack Broadbent – Hull KR

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This would be a big wildcard selection, but Jack Broadbent has certainly put himself in the frame to be selected and his versatility helps with that. Broadbent can play anywhere along the back line and currently with injuries at center and on the wings means he has a chance of being called up.

Since moving to Hull KR, the former Cas man has scored four tries in six games, operating on both the wing and centre. With both Ash Handley and Harry Newman suffering concussions of late, there may be a place for the 22-year-old in this squad.

Zach Eckersley – Wigan Warriors

Zach Eckersley Challenge Cup Final England

Credit: Imago Images

Another young center who has a shot at a primary call-up is Zach Eckersley, a 20-year-old who has already proved himself on the biggest stage with his try in the Challenge Cup final. The center has only played a handful of games for Wigan, but following Adam Keighran’s suspension, he took his chance and made the most of it.

He is also set for a longer run of games, with Adam Keighran likely to step in to help Bevan French, who has replaced the injured Jai Field at full-back. This could mean more game time for the center who Shaun Wane has previously spoken highly of, even mentioning he can play on the wing.

Tom Davies – Catalan Dragons

Credit: Imago Images

There could be a first England call-up of 2021 for Tom Davies, with the Catalan winger flying in 2024 despite his side lacking creativity and consistency in the spine. Davies has scored 10 tries so far this season, with seven coming in his 12 Super League appearances.

Another former Wigan man, he has a link with Shaun Wane and given the current injury status of Ash Handley, Adam Swift and Tommy Makinson, it means Davies could be called upon.

VaselineJune 24, 2024

0 3 minutes read