Huddersfield duo Matty English and Jake Wardle have been added to the England squad, along with Leeds front rower Mikolaj Oledzki and hooker Kruise Leeming; Shaun Wane's side are preparing to face the Combined Nations All Stars in a mid-season international on June 25
Tuesday 13 April 2021 09:52, UK
England head coach Shaun Wane has added another four players to his training squad ahead of Tuesday's squad session at Leeds Beckett University.
Huddersfield prop Matty English and centre Jake Wardle have been called up, along with Leeds front rower Mikolaj Oledzki and hooker Kruise Leeming to prepare for England's mid-season international against the Combined Nations All Stars at Warrington on June 25.
They join the 35-strong squad Wane named a week ago, under 200 days out from England's opening World Cup game against Samoa at St James's Park, Newcastle.
Seven of his 35 are based in Australia and, with several more unable to take part in his first training session because of injury, Wane has taken the opportunity to introduce more players to the England training environment.
Leeming, English and Oledzki have all played for the England Knights.
Terry O'Connor is confident for England at the World Cup, despite head coach Wane not being able to select a team yet due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"England coach Shaun Wane last week admitted Sam Tomkins is winning the race to be starting full-back for October's World Cup.
"Obviously he hasn't had a chance to select a team yet due to Covid but it's a huge 2021 for Wane, and for a number of players.
"As national coach, he's got to be confident Sam can deliver on the biggest stage under pressure. He's always had a great rapport with his players, and of course nurtured Sam at Wigan before he went off to New Zealand, but, if I was a full-back with international aspirations, I'd be delighted the England boss has revealed his hand."
