Waney trusts me to deliver: George Williams on why England can beat anyone

England half-back George Williams says he would love to deliver the World Cup trophy to Shaun Wane as a mark of respect for all the faith he has shown in him over the years.

The pair go back a long way, with Williams coming through the Wigan system under the stewardship of Wane more than 10 years ago.

Wane gave Williams his first team debut at their hometown club in 2013, and then handed him Wigan’s iconic number six shirt.

“We go way back because he has known me since being a kid,” Williams told Love Rugby League.

“I think I went up into the first team in Waney’s first or second year in charge. It’s been over 10 years now so we’ve known each other a long time and we’ve got a good relationship. He gets the best out of his teams no matter who is playing so we’re all looking forward to working with him again – some for the first time – so it’s exciting.

“He has always put trust in me and I’d like to think that I repay him. I always try my best under him and I’ll put my best foot forward for England.

“We’ve had some great times together winning Grand Finals but if we could win a World Cup together that would definitely top everything off I think.”

George Williams: Write us off at your peril

Australia are the favourites to retain their World Cup crown this autumn. And there has been a lot of attention drawn to New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga who have all named NRL-heavy squads.

But Williams, now at Warrington, reckons England have just as good a chance as any to win the tournament on home soil.

“They’ve got stacked sides but so have we,” he told Love Rugby League.

“There’s talent throughout (our squad), there’s a couple of older heads and a few young bucks. There’s a good balance in the squad, some good leaders and some great young talent.

“We’ve waited a long time for this. Everyone in the England squad is delighted to be here and the World Cup is finally here now.”

Williams will captain England for the first time on Friday night. Wane’s men take on Fiji in a World Cup warm-up match in Salford.

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