Litten, Morgan Knowles start as Brad O'Neill misses crucial England rugby league World Cup match
Two changes to England’s starters
Jez Litten and Morgan Knowles have been named in England’s starting line-up for the match against Papua New Guinea. Brad O’Neill is absent from the 19-player squad after playing at number nine against France.
Warrington wing Matty Ashton keeps his place after joining the side for that France game. Wigan’s Zach Eckersley is again outside the matchday group.
England’s route to the match
England began the tournament with a 30-12 defeat by Tonga. They followed it with an 82-0 victory over France, keeping their hopes of progressing alive. The Papua New Guinea fixture is a must-win for England. Their fate also depends on Samoa: a Samoa victory would send England out because they have an inferior head-to-head record against Tonga.
Named England side
The starting team includes AJ Brimson, Dom Young, Hugo Savala, Herbie Farnworth and Matty Ashton. George Williams, Harry Smith, Max King and Litten are also named. The forwards and remaining starters are Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Kai Pearce-Paul and Knowles. O’Neill is not among the 19 selected for the match.
Key points
- Litten and Knowles enter England’s starting line-up against Papua New Guinea.
- Brad O’Neill is left out after wearing number nine against France.
- England followed a 30-12 loss to Tonga with an 82-0 win over France.
- A Samoa victory would eliminate England because of their head-to-head record against Tonga.