England head coach Brian McDermott has confirmed George Williams will be his captain at next month's Rugby League World Cup. Williams suffered a neck injury and required surgery in April but returned in August and has impressed for Warrington Wolves, hoping to lead them to the Super League Grand Final.

Warrington face Hull KR in the eliminators this Saturday, live on Sky Sports, with the winner facing Wigan Warriors in the semi-finals before the Grand Final on October 3.

McDermott praised Williams' return and leadership. "I didn't really know George at all," he said. "I normally shook George's hand after his team beat my team when I was at Leeds. We had a horrible record against Wigan in the regular season!"

Williams being captain means he will likely take a half-back spot, raising questions over his partner. Mikey Lewis, Jake Connor, Harry Smith and Hugo Savala are in the mix, but McDermott suggested only three will travel to the World Cup in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea from October 15 to November 15.