England men's rugby league coach Mc Dermott has made several changes to his squad for the crucial World Cup match against co-hosts PNG. Jez Litten and Morgan Knowles come into the side, while Brad O'Neill drops out. Warrington's Matty Ashton keeps his place on the wing, and Wigan's Zach Eckersley is again not in the matchday 19. Mc Dermott has made late changes to his matchday squad for both of England's matches so far and may do so again before Friday.
England are on the back foot after a 30-12 defeat to Tonga in their opening game. They responded with an 82-0 victory over France, keeping their hopes alive. To qualify, England must beat PNG and then hope Tonga beat Samoa two days later in Sydney. If Samoa win, England are eliminated because of their inferior head-to-head record against Tonga. If Tonga win, the outcome depends on points difference, where England currently trail Samoa by 68 points.
The match is part of a triple header in Wollongong. England's wheelchair team begin the defence of their World Cup title against Wales, before the women's side face Samoa. In the women's squad, Georgia Roche replaces Jenna Foubister at half-back, with Hope Millard named on the bench for their must-win final group game.
England women beat Wales 70-6 in their opener but lost 78-0 to reigning champions Australia last weekend. A win over Samoa would secure second place in Group A and a semi-final spot, where they would most likely face New Zealand, who beat them in the last four of the 2022 World Cup.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing