Brian McDermott has confirmed his England squad that will take on France in this week’s Rugby League World Cup group stage.

With advancement to the semi-finals now out of their hands, England need to win both their remaining two group fixtures, posting as many points as possible in the process whilst also hoping that Tonga defeat Samoa in week three.

McDermott stressed that his side still needed to play with control in their upcoming games, but with bettering Samoa’s points difference the only way they can now progress, they are really left with no other choice.

The England head coach has stuck to his guns and made no changes to last week’s side, meaning that skipper George Williams will again partner Harry Smith in the halves, and Mikey Lewis remains among the reserves.

Morgan Knowles remains unavailable, so Luke Thompson will again start at prop. AJ Brimson stays ahead of Jack Welsby, whilst the only full change sees Kallum Watkins come in and among the reserves.

England have until game day to change the personnel in their squad, as they did when Knowles picked up an injury in mid-week prior to the Tonga fixture.

England’s starting XIII v France: AJ Brimson, Dom Young, Hugo Savala, Herbie Farnworth, Zach Eckersley, George Williams, Harry Smith, Luke Thompson, Brad O’Neill, Max King, Junior Nsemba, Kai Pearce-Paul, Victor Radley

Bench: Jez Litten, Ben Currie, Sam Walters, Ethan Havard, Jack Welsby, Matty Ashton

Reserves: Kallum Watkins, Mikey Lewis, Ben Talty

England Women have also confirmed their squad to take on the Australian Jillaroos. Jenna Foubister comes into the starting line-up to partner Isabel Rowe, whilst Molly Jones replaces Wigan teammate Georgia Wilson in the centres. Liv Wood replaces Mary Coleman at prop.

England Women: Fran Goldthorp, Anna Davies, Molly Jones, Connie Boyd, Amelia Brown, Isabel Rowe, Jenna Foubister, Liv Wood, Keara Bennett, Hollie-Mae Dodd, Jasmin Strange, Eva Hunter, Megan Williams

Bench: Jodie Cunningham, Vicky Whitfield, Georgia Roche, Lucie Sams

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