Ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, England coach Brian McDermott has confirmed who will captain the side when they compete in the tournament in October.
Earlier this year, McDermott had stated that if George Williams was healthy and available, there would be no reason to select someone else to captain the side.
George Williams will continue his captaincy duties after leading England during last year's Ashes series.
While addressing the media about England's preparations for the World Cup, McDermott revealed that he has been impressed with how George Williams conducts himself off the field and his return to the field after having neck surgery.
"George has been great to speak to. I didn't really know him at all before taking the job; the same with a lot of the other players, I've only ever shook a lot of their hands after games, and I'm normally shaking George's hand after he beat my team at Leeds," the England coach said.
“I didn't really know him, but it's been enjoyable to get to know him. He's keen as anything, and while he was injured, you could tell if anyone was coming back from injury early; then it would be him.
“I'm pleased to see the form he's in. He's not feathering about on his feet and waiting for the game; he's going and getting the game. He goes and chases the game. He's got a bit stronger and wiser, and his leadership has been really good. The way he speaks in the spine meetings, a bit of maturity he brings... he'll be my captain, yes.”
This confirms Williams will be in the halves when England begin their World Cup campaign against Tonga.
A halves dilemma looms over England's roster ahead of the tournament in October, with options including Jake Connor, Mikey Lewis and Harry Smith.
In last year's Ashes series, George Williams, Mikey Lewis and Harry Smith played in the halves across the three games after Jake Connor was not named by previous England coach Shaun Wane.
Jamie Humphreys, who plays for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, can also play for England, as he has been officially allowed by the IRL.
"The IRL has qualified him,” McDermott said of Humphreys," McDermott explained.
"I'll refer back to my original statements, if they are selected, it will be because they want to represent their country. I've put every one of them through a vetting process, though they didn't know it was a vetting process.
"I was just trying to make sure they were willing to go through the pain barrier for England – because we'll find out.”
For McDermott, the England squad is expected to offer versatility and coverage in every position.
"When I name my 23-man squad, and I finalise the positions, I think you'll find there's coverage everywhere," the coach stated.
"There's only a couple of players who can only play one position."
McDermott also admitted that play-off performances are key.
It is most likely that, given only 23 men will be part of the roster, only two other halves will be included.
