England Line Up, Next Time They Play?

[yipyee]

On 13/11/2022 at 17:27, Jughead said:

And you’re missing the point. It’s utterly meaningless guff because, guess what? England have no games planned and you can’t buy tickets and discussing who plays is meaningless. 43,000 at St James’, the traction that created, 40,000 in London. Momentum stopped dead because nothing is planned and for those who enjoyed it, it’s out of their heads again in a few days. 

What is also more impressive is neither game was against NZ or Aus which is also sad that they were over here (better late than never) and we never played either side.

[Anita Bath]

6 hours ago, yipyee said:

What is also more impressive is neither game was against NZ or Aus which is also sad that they were over here (better late than never) and we never played either side.

Thats what comes from “arranging the draw” to avoid a clash with either before the final.

[Archie Gordon]

Whatever team we pick in 2023, it's raison d'etre shouldn't be "building for the 2025 RLWC". That approach has never worked in any sport. Who knows what our best team in 2025 will look like.

[yipyee]

3 hours ago, Archie Gordon said:

Whatever team we pick in 2023, it's raison d'etre shouldn't be "building for the 2025 RLWC". That approach has never worked in any sport. Who knows what our best team in 2025 will look like.

Especially when the tournament will be moved to suit the aussie team selection

[MatthewWoody]

4 hours ago, Archie Gordon said:

Whatever team we pick in 2023, it's raison d'etre shouldn't be "building for the 2025 RLWC". That approach has never worked in any sport. Who knows what our best team in 2025 will look like.

Find a proper balance between playing 34 y.o. players and build for the next WC would be good. 

[Moe syszlak]

I'd like to see James Bentley switch allegiances and declare himself for England selection.

[Saint Toppy]

12 minutes ago, Moe syszlak said:

I'd like to see James Bentley switch allegiances and declare himself for England selection.

He did declare for England, then when Wane didn't pick him in the England squad he quickly changed to Ireland

[MatthewWoody]

Int retirement for Williams? 
https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/george-williams-hints-retirement-among-25513277 

Quote

George Williams admitted several of his England teammates had been left broken by their World Cup semi-final defeat having most likely played in their final tournament. The Warrington Wolves halfback, who enjoyed a fine tournament after a difficult domestic campaign, was left crushed after the golden point defeat to the Samoans.

Many of England's stars were too despondent to talk to the press, with only Williams and Wigan's Mike Cooper willing to take questions following the loss. Many of the players cut emotional figures in the immediate aftermath on the field and that continued as they made their way out of the Emirates Stadium.

Nine of England's 24-man squad are 31-year-old or beyond, leaving their international futures unclear. After the game, Williams addressed the matter, suggesting conversations had been had among the group.

We knew it, but it still seem too much. In a long tournament... 
 

Quote

"That will sit with us, especially with me, for three years," he said. "That's the heartbreaking thing, some people will never play in a World Cup again and we'll never have this group together again, that's why it hurts so much."

He'll be 31 at the next WC.