England field unchanged squad for France clash after Tonga loss

England have kept a 19‑man squad unchanged for their Rugby League World Cup clash with France in Perth on Saturday. Coach Brian McDermott announced the list despite a 30‑12 defeat by Tonga that jeopardises semi‑final hopes. Full‑back AJ Brimson retains his starting spot and Jack Welsby is among the six interchange players. Luke Thompson continues at prop while Morgan Knowles remains sidelined after his injury before the Tonga game. Mikey Lewis is still omitted from the squad after a debated selection debate. Harry Smith lines up again beside captain George Williams in the centre, even though both were out‑muscled by Tonga last weekend.

Squad

AJ Brimson, Dom Young, Hugo Savala, Herbie Farnworth, Zach Eckersley, George Williams, Harry Smith, Max King, Brad O'Neill, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Kai Pearce‑Paul, Victor Radley; Interchange: Jez Litten, Ben Currie, Ethan Havard, Sam Walters, Jack Welsby, Matty Ashton; Reserves: Kallum Watkins, Mikey Lewis, Ben Talty.

Situation

The loss to Tonga was England’s first ever against the Pacific nation and puts the side in a must‑win position. To stay in contention, England must defeat France on Saturday and then beat Papua New Guinea on 30 October, likely by large margins because of the tournament format. Their final fate may not be decided until Tonga’s last group game against Samoa two days later.

Context

The Rugby League World Cup groups allow only the top teams to move on, so a single loss can force a team into a win‑or‑die scenario. England’s unbeaten record against Tonga ended, highlighting the rising competitiveness of emerging rugby nations.