England head coach Brian Mc Dermott has made one change to his 19-man squad for Saturday's Rugby League World Cup match against France. AJ Brimson keeps the full-back job, with Jack Welsby again named as an interchange, while Luke Thompson starts at prop in the absence of Morgan Knowles, who was injured in the lead-up to the opening-game defeat to Tonga.
Veteran centre Kallum Watkins is among the reserves as he chases a cap at his fourth World Cup, while Mikey Lewis returns to the bench after missing out on a place in the squad last time out. Each side may name a six-player bench, but only four of those players can be brought on.
For France, Toulouse playmaker Thomas Lacans has been promoted to start at five-eighth, with Cesar Rouge moving to the bench. Romeo Tropis comes in at centre, pushing Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet out to the wing. Skipper Ben Garcia moves from hooker to lock, and Amir Bourouh joins the starting side at No 9.
In the women's game, England Women head coach Stuart Barrow has made a surprise call at half-back, selecting 19-year-old Jenna Foubister at No 7 to partner Isabel Rowe against Australia on Saturday. Foubister was named Woman of Steel after a standout year in the Super League.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing