England head coach Brian Mc Dermott has named an unchanged 19-man squad for Saturday's Rugby League World Cup clash against France, despite last weekend's 30-12 defeat by Tonga. AJ Brimson retains the full-back role with Jack Welsby named as an interchange, while Luke Thompson starts at prop in place of the injured Morgan Knowles.
Veteran centre Kallum Watkins remains among the reserves as he seeks a cap at his fourth World Cup, but there is still no room in the squad for Mikey Lewis. Each side can name a six-player bench, though only four may be used during the match.
For France, Thomas Lacans has been promoted to start at five-eighth with Cesar Rouge moving to the bench. Romeo Tropis comes in at centre, shifting Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet to the wing and relegating Leo Darrelatour to the reserves. Skipper Ben Garcia switches from hooker to lock, while Amir Bourouh joins the starting side at No 9.
In the women's match, head coach Stuart Barrow has handed 19-year-old Jenna Foubister the No 7 jersey at half-back, partnering her with Isabel Rowe in the halves against Australia.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing