Widdop omitted from England squad to face Scotland

Correspondent

Mark Percival and Scott Taylor have come into England‘s squad the match against Scotland while Gareth Widdop has been dropped.

England and Scotland clash in the Four Nations on Saturday in Coventry.

Wayne Bennett has recalled Percival and Taylor into the squad. Percival, the St Helens centre, and Hull FC forward Taylor both featured in England’s 40-6 victory over France in Avignon two weeks ago.

Wigan Warriors halfback George Williams has also been included and will be making his first international appearance of 2016. Widdop has been left out of the 19-man line-up.

Bennett confirmed James Graham will be rested while he recovers from a minor knee injury and expects to see him back in contention to play against Australia next week.

“We’re not going to make too many changes but we also want to make sure most players in the squad get game time,” Bennett said.

“The New Zealand game has gone now. We’ve reviewed it, talked about it and now back out on the field to get things right for Scotland on Saturday.

“We won’t be reading too much into Scotland’s game against Australia, they’re a good side with plenty of talent from Super League and the NRL in there.

“From what I saw, I thought they had a go last Friday and scored some decent tries.

“Just like every game we go into, we’re focused on our job and what needs to happen to come out on top.

“The boys are excited to play in Coventry at the Ricoh Arena and grow the game in the UK. I’ve heard it’s a fantastic facility and we’re looking forward to seeing all of the fans again.”

On the inclusion of George Williams in the squad, Bennett added: “I saw George play in the Super League Grand Final a few weeks ago and he’s a quality player. He’ll definitely be playing this weekend.

“He’s been working hard in training with the players and showing the coaching staff what he can do and what he’s capable of.”

England 19-man squad (professional club and community club in brackets):

John Bateman (Wigan Warriors, Bradford Dudley Hill)

George Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs, Dewsbury Moor)

Sam Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs, Dewsbury Moor)

Thomas Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs, Dewsbury Moor)

Daryl Clark (Warrington Wolves, Fryston Warriors)

Mike Cooper (Warrington Wolves/St George-Illwarra Dragons, Latchford Albion)

Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks)

Luke Gale (Castleford Tigers, Middleton Marauders)

Ryan Hall (Leeds Rhinos, Oulton Raiders)

Chris Hill (Warrington Wolves, New Spring Lions)

Josh Hodgson (Canberra Raiders, East Hull)

Jonny Lomax (St Helens, Orrell St James)

Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield Giants, Deighton Juniors)

Mark Percival (St Helens, Halton Farnworth Hornets)

Dan Sarginson (Wigan Warriors / Gold Coast Titans, Hemel Stags)

Scott Taylor (Hull FC, Skirlaugh)

Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos, Latchford Albion)

Elliott Whitehead (Canberra Raiders, West Bowling)

George Williams (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks)