Dragons Catalans › News › 2024 › June › Tom Johnstone named in England squad

England Head Coach Shaun Wane has named a 20-strong squad ahead of Saturday’s mid-season international against France in Toulouse.

And several new faces are included, among them Castleford Tigers center Sam Wood, Wigan Warriors hooker Brad O’Neill, Hull KR loose forward Elliot Minchella, St Helens prop George Delaney, Huddersfield Giants forward Oliver Wilson and Leeds Rhinos forward James McDonnell.

Brad O’Neill has been almost ever-present for the Wigan over the last two years, playing an integral role in the Warriors’ successful pursuit of all four available trophies – the Betfred Super League, League Leaders’ Shield, Betfred Challenge Cup and World Club Challenge.

Elliot Minchella has also impressed Wane in recent seasons, having helped Hull KR to both the Challenge Cup Final and the Super League Play-Offs in 2023.

George Delaney, James McDonnell and Oliver Wilson – in common with several other squad members – are products of the England Pathways programme. McDonnell and Wilson were members of the England Academy side that defeated the Australia Schoolboys back in 2018, while both McDonnell and Delaney represented England Knights against Scotland in 2022.

Head Coach Shaun Wane says: “I’m pleased with the squad we’ve brought together for this mid-season international and there is a strong balance between some more experienced international players and some newer faces to the England squad. All of the new players who have come into the squad have impressed me with their performances in the Betfred Super League this season and have earned their spot in this England squad. Having traveled to make France back in 2021, we know they will offer us a stern test which is exactly what we need ahead of the two-game series against Samoa this Autumn.”

Both England’s Men and Women play France on Saturday, as the French Rugby League (FFR XIII) celebrates 90 years of the game in the republic. And both matches will be streamed live from Stade Ernest-Wallon SuperLeague+, Rugby League’s global, direct-to-consumer streaming service. Kick off times are 2.30pm BST (England Women) and 5pm (BST) England Men.

England Men’s Squad:

Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves), George Delaney (St Helens), Tyler Dupree (Wigan Warriors), Ash Handley (Leeds Rhinos), James Harrison (Warrington Wolves), Tom Johnstone (Catalans Dragons)Matty Lees (St Helens), Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten (both Hull KR), James McDonnell (Leeds Rhinos), Elliot Minchella (Hull KR), Harry Newman (Leeds Rhinos), Matty Nicholson (Warrington Wolves), Brad O’ Neill, Harry Smith, Luke Thompson (all Wigan Warriors), Jack Welsby (St Helens), George Williams (Warrington Wolves), Oliver Wilson (Huddersfield Giants), Sam Wood (Castleford Tigers)