Watkins included in McDermott's squad to face France

England Men’s Head Coach Brian McDermott has named his playing squad for Saturday’s Rugby League World Cup fixture against France in Perth (7.35 KO).

There is one change to the wider 22-man squad named for last weekend’s World Cup opener against Tonga, with Leeds Rhinos’ Kallum Watkins coming in for Dolphins forward Morgan Knowles who was a late withdrawal last time.

Knowles has not yet recovered from injury and McDermott has provisionally selected the same matchday 19 to take on the French as England seek to get off the mark.

George Williams will once more captain his country.

Teams will name six-person interchange benches throughout the Rugby League World Cup, with only four of those players actually being allowed to enter the field of play.

Follow England's journey and watch the 2026 Rugby League World Cup LIVE with a Premier Sports subscription. 

England Men v France

1) AJ Brimson

2) Dom Young

3) Hugo Savala

4) Herbie Farnworth

5) Zach Eckersley

6) George Williams

7) Harry Smith

8) Max King

9) Brad O’Neill

10) Luke Thompson

11) Junior Nsemba

12) Kai Pearce-Paul

13) Victor Radley

14) Jez Litten

15) Ben Currie

16) Ethan Havard

17) Sam Walters

18) Jack Welsby

19) Matty Ashton

20) Kallum Watkins

21) Mikey Lewis

22) Ben Talty