Shaun Wane names new England captain

Josh McAllister
George Williams, SWPix

Picture by Will Palmer/SWpix.com.

George Williams has been appointed as England’s new captain by head coach Shaun Wane ahead of the mid-season international with France. 

Williams, 28, represented England at last year’s World Cup on home soil and was ever-present in last year’s competition under Wane.

He has won 15 caps to date on the international stage, having made his debut in 2015 in an 84-4 victory over mid-season opponents France. He also represented his home nation at the 2017 World Cup in Australia.

The former Canberra Raiders half-back is also currently leading the way on the Man of Steel leaderboard.

Williams succeeds former Wigan team-mate Sam Tomkins, who has announced his retirement at the end of the current season.

The two-time Grand Final winner is among six halves named in Wane’s extended 40-man England squad alongside Harry Smith, Jordan Abdull, Lewis Dodd, Mikey Lewis and Jonny Lomax, with Will Pryce and Jack Welsby also featuring.

George Wiliams: It is a huge honour to be named as England captain

On his appointment, Williams said: “It is a huge honour to be named as England captain. Playing for England has always been the pinnacle for me but being named as captain is the cherry on top. 

“I got the opportunity to lead the team out in the World Cup against Greece and it was one of the proudest moments of my life. I had to hold back tears as we walked out onto the field. 

“The World Cup ended in disappointment for us but it’s all about bouncing back from that now and building towards 2025 with what is a really exciting and vibrant squad.”

Head coach Wane said: “I’ve seen George develop from being a youngster to the player he is today, and I believe he is the right man to lead the England team. 

“With a lot of new faces in the squad, George’s role will be crucial within the camp as he has been that youngster bursting onto the international scene and is now an experienced and consistent performer at the top level. 

“George was terrific for us in the World Cup and his form has carried over into an impressive start to the Super League season with Warrington.

“All of our focus is now on the France game and I’m looking forward to seeing us get back out on the field at the Halliwell Jones.”

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