Shaun Wane explains Luke Thompson absence as England boss provides contract update

Josh McAllister 05 Nov 2022 5:29 PM

England boss Shaun Wane says that Luke Thompson simply missed out on selection on his 19-man squad to face Papua New Guinea in the quarter-finals.

Thompson, 27, was a surprise absentee from Wane’s 19-man squad ahead of the game, with Ryan Hall, Andy Ackers, Joe Batchelor and Mikolaj Oledzki also missing out.

“He just wasn’t selected,” Wane told Love Rugby League.

“Every one of those players that didn’t play are still in the mix. But this week has been very easy. I pick a team who I think can win and it will be the exact same for next week, and hopefully the week after.”

Meanwhile, the England boss revealed he still has one-year remaining on his contract with the international side.

The former Wigan coach is currently leading England in his first-ever World Cup,

“Another year after this World Cup, I think,” he said during his post-match press conference. “I’m very happy. I love my job and I love being with these every day.”

Shaun Wane on performance

Meanwhile, winger Tommy Makinson became only the third player in World Cup history to score five or more tries in a game during the 44-4 victory in Wigan.

Wane was overall pleased with his side’s performance, who took a 26-0 lead in the first 20 minutes.

“I’m really happy,” he said. “The first 30 minutes was faultless. PNG were going to have a say in the game because they’re a really good team. The conditions were tough but overall, if you look at that scoreline, if I could have had that this morning, I would have took it.

“I thought our attack was great. I thought our starting middles were really good. Our first 13 sets, we completed them and not many teams could do that in those conditions.

“I’m happy. I’ve got a really good group.”

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Shaun Wane on performance

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