England to Name Unchanged Squad for France Match
England keeps its 19-man lineup for the Rugby League World Cup clash against France on Saturday.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Soccer
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England coach Brian McDermott has selected an unchanged 19-man squad to face France in Perth on October 24, 2026. The team looks to regroup following a 30-12 defeat to Tonga in their opening tournament game.
Why it matters
The decision to maintain the current roster signals stability as England attempts to bounce back from its opening loss. Securing a win against France is essential to staying competitive in the Rugby League World Cup.
The 19-man squad for the upcoming match features AJ Brimson returning as the starting full-back. Kick-off for the game in Perth is scheduled for 07.35 BST.
The players
Brian McDermott
He is the head coach of the England rugby league team responsible for roster management and game strategy.
AJ Brimson
He is a professional rugby league player who retains his starting full-back position for the squad.
George Williams
He is a key member of the England squad and a prominent playmaker in international rugby league.
Jack Welsby
He is a versatile player who has been named among the interchange players for the upcoming tournament match.
The details
Coach Brian McDermott confirmed that the lineup, including starters like George Williams and Herbie Farnworth, will remain consistent. Jack Welsby and Jez Litten remain part of the interchange rotation as England prepares for the encounter with France.
Timeline
October 24, 2026: England plays France in the Rugby League World Cup match.
Season Trajectory
This match against France follows the 30-12 loss to Tonga in the opening game of the tournament. The stability of the roster reflects an attempt to maintain continuity during the critical early stages of the Rugby League World Cup.
The choice to keep the squad unchanged suggests that Brian McDermott intends to trust his established starters to correct previous mistakes. Fantasy participants and analysts should monitor the role of AJ Brimson at full-back as a primary indicator of England's offensive strategy.
The takeaway
Maintaining squad continuity allows players to refine team chemistry after a difficult tournament start. Fans should look for improved defensive execution in the next match to determine if the current roster approach is successful.
What happens next
England will face France in Perth on October 24, 2026, at 07.35 BST to continue their tournament campaign.
Further reading
For more on international tournaments, visit the Soccer section.
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Do you trust that keeping the same roster will help the team improve for the next game?
