Gleeson calls for Percival and Williams

Correspondent

Former Great Britain centre Martin Gleeson believes Mark Percival and George Williams should be brought into England‘s starting side against Scotland.

Dan Sarginson and Luke Gale were preferred to Percival and Willimas against New Zealand.

But writing for Wigan Today, Gleeson says Percival and Williams should be given a chance in Coventry against the Scots.

“Immediately after Saturday’s match, I thought of two or three areas he would look to tweak.

“For example, at centre, last week I questioned whether he would go for backfield work or class at the other end, and he opted for Dan Sarginson.

“But with two strong wingers and the forwards they have, we don’t really need a centre to be making strong carries – England had no problems getting out of their own half – and that’s why I think Mark Percival has got to be in.

“As a former centre, in my opinion the best centre we have in the squad isn’t playing. Percival needs to be in there, either at left or right.

“He has so much class, and can play in either spot. At halfback, Gareth Widdop, apart from the intercept, was better and his goal-kicking was good.

“It’s a coach’s preference betwen Luke Gale and George Williams, but personally I’d opt for Williams because he can scare defences with his pace, instincts and strength – especially if England offload well.

“They really troubled the Kiwis with their second-phase plays early in Saturday’s match, and probably didn’t do it enough.

“It worked well for them and, if Williams was there to feed off those offloads, I think it’s something which could be successful for them in this tournament.”