Rugby League World Cup 2026: England name 23-player squad as Jake Connor misses out and Mikey Lewis earns call-up

Brian McDermott has named his 23-player England squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with Mikey Lewis selected ahead of Jake Connor.

Connor, who won last year's Super League Man of Steel award, is the surprise omission, having enjoyed another standout season with the Rhinos, amassing 43 assists - the most of any player this season.

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Hull KR playmaker Lewis will come into the fold in his place, having scored 17 tries and assisting a further 14 this season.

It is also understood Wakefield Trinity prop Caleb Hamlin-Uele and his team-mate Tom Johnstone both opted to withdraw from the selection process due to injury. Jake Trueman was another player omitted due to injury.

England commence their Rugby League World Cup campaign against Tonga on Saturday, October 17, at HBF Park, Perth, Australia, before facing France on October 24.

McDermott has named seven Wigan Warriors players in his squad, including uncapped centre Zach Eckersley, Harry Smith and Junior Nsemba.

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After winning Sunday's NRL Grand Final, Sydney Roosters lock Victor Radley will return to the England fold, with team-mate Hugo Savala also selected.

Savala is one of five uncapped players in the squad, alongside Eckersley, Sam Walters, and NRL duo Max King, Ben Talty.

Dally M Centre of the Year Herbie Farnworth and NRL Grand Finalist Dom Young, two of England's standout performers at the 2022 World Cup, also return to the side.

Four other NRL players have been included, with Gold Coast Titans full-back AJ Brimson, Wests Tigers' Kai Pearce-Paul and Canberra Raiders' Morgan Smithies joining the squad.

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Fresh from guiding Warrington Wolves to the Super League Grand Final, George Williams will captain England once again. He is joined in the squad by Wolves team-mates Ashton and Currie.

Jez Litten will link up with Hull KR team-mate Mikey Lewis, while Jack Welsby is St Helens' sole representative.

"We have selected the squad after a thorough and deliberate process, underpinned by a unique decentralised preparation model that has allowed us to work closely with the players well before they come together in camp," McDermott said.

"Throughout that process, we have challenged players to develop a deeper understanding of themselves - their strengths, their point of difference, the areas they need to improve and the standards required to perform at international level.

"Importantly, we have also developed a much deeper understanding of the expectations around each player's specific role within the England Game Model.

"The aim has been that when the players arrive in camp, they are not starting from day one trying to understand what is expected of them. They already understand their role, the standards attached to it and how their individual strengths can contribute to the way England wants to play."

England Men's 2026 World Cup Squad

Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves), AJ Brimson (Gold Coast Titans), Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves), Zach Eckersley (Wigan Warriors), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Ethan Havard (Wigan Warriors), Max King (Bulldogs), Morgan Knowles (Dolphins), Mikey Lewis (Hull KR), Jez Litten (Hull KR), Junior Nsemba (Wigan Warriors), Brad O'Neill (Wigan Warriors), Kai Pearce-Paul (Wests Tigers), Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters), Hugo Savala (Sydney Roosters), Harry Smith (Wigan Warriors), Morgan Smithies (Canberra Raiders), Luke Thompson (Wigan Warriors), Sam Walters (Wigan Warriors), Ben Talty (Brisbane Broncos), Jack Welsby (St Helens), George Williams (Warrington Wolves), Dom Young (Newcastle Knights)