England Men Keep Squad Unchanged While Women Make Three Changes for Perth World Cup Clashes

England coach Brian McDermott has kept an unchanged 19-man squad for Saturday's Rugby League World Cup game against France in Perth. This comes despite a 30-12 defeat by Tonga in their opening game, which puts England's chances of reaching the semi-finals in danger. AJ Brimson keeps his place at full-back after scoring one of England's two tries against that Tonga match. Jack Welsby is among the interchanges, while Luke Thompson continues at prop. Morgan Knowles remains out due to an injury picked up before the Tonga game. Mikey Lewis also stays out of the team, having missed out on a spot ahead of Jake Connor. Harry Smith and captain George Williams continue together in the halves. England must now win their remaining group games against France and Papua New Guinea on 30 October, and likely by large margins, to stay in contention. ## Women's Squad Changes In contrast, England women's coach Stuart Barrow has made three changes to his starting XIII to face co-hosts Australia on Saturday. Jenna Foubister starts at half-back, replacing Georgia Roche after a strong year with Wigan Warriors where she was named Woman of Steel. Foubister partners Izzy Rowe, who scored two tries and kicked nine conversions for 26 points in a 70-6 win against Wales. Molly Jones replaces Georgia Wilson in the centres, and Liv Wood plays at prop ahead of Mary Coleman. Lucie Sams joins the interchanges for the match in Perth, which follows the men's fixture. ## Context These matches form a crucial double-header for England in Perth during the group stages of the Rugby League World Cup. Both the men's and women's teams face tough challenges as they look to advance deeper into the tournament against strong international competition.