Cullen Names England Squad

"There is a great amount of young English talent in our game," said Cullen. "Super League is healthier than some people might credit it.

"It's an England side with a point to prove. They all want to play … in the 2008 World Cup."

Super League Grand Final runners-up Hull FC have four players in the squad – Lee Radford, Paul Cooke, Graeme Horne and Ewan Dowes.

Leeds Rhinos are the most represented side with seven players in the squad, including Matt Diskin who replaces injured Warrington Wolves player Mark Gleeson.

The squad could yet be boosted by players dropped from the Great Britain squad ahead of the Lions’ warm-up game against a Newcastle Select XIII on Friday.

Cullen has yet to name a captain for the side, but the decision will be announced on Thursday.

The game will be part of a double-header at Headingley as Tonga take on Samoa in a game that doubles up as a Federation Shield tie and a World Cup qualifier.

England squad

C Ashton (Wigan), R Bailey (Leeds), M Calderwood (Wigan), M Cook (Bradford), P Cooke (Hull), E Crabtree (Huddersfield), M Diskin (Leeds), E Dowes (Hull), B Ferres (Bradford), A Gibson (Leeds), G Horne (Hull), J Jones-Buchanan (Leeds), R Purdham (Harlequins), L Radford (Hull), J Rooney (Wakefield), L Smith (Leeds), N Scruton (Leeds), R Whiting (Hull), D Williams (Leeds)