Ridiculous attitude. Why comment on a World Cup thread.

Bateman will probably cover centre with only watkins and percival as only specialists centres, currie won't get a game imo and is lucky ward had to pull out.

How on earth Greg Eden hasn't got in is a joke. Ratchford can't lace his boots.

A comment about an England squad member pulling out of the England squad in an England squad thread isn't allowed?

Christ.

I'm sure it will have been the prospect of a meat raffle over a first England World Cup win in nigh on fifty years.

Mmmmmmmm meat raffle.

No doubt Currie is a very good player but it's a big ask to play in a World Cup after just a couple of Middle 8 fixtures after a year out.

i think it was the last game we played warrington, ratchford got outpaced by mcguire for one try then again by jjb for another. don't understand how he's above shaul or eden.

also worrying that he was going to play fb anyway with hardaker expected to play centre before that kicked off. ratchford looks great ball in hand in a broken game, but no defensive game at all. that being said don't think lomax is much better.

Teams been announced for today. Ratchford at fb over Lorax and Bateman at c instead of Percival is probably the talking points. Looks like hall will play right wing outside Watkins. Been given funny squad numbers, not sure what that’s about. Hall 22 Watkins 23.

Just a friendly though and Bennett said the full squad will play.

again we see that Hall couldnt score the trys Eden did for Castleford, right guys?

Did this count as a capped match? Just wondering as Hall is only 12 tries off the all time RL test record (10 now if the match was capped)

No its only full internationals that count.this was just a warm up game.

Well 2 more days till our opener & tbh i don't think we have a cat in hells chance.
Why put Bateman at Centre?

I don't either really. We need Sam Burgess to look like the player he can be but sounds like he's underwhelmed since his return from the dark side.

Bateman must just be in for aggression in defence. Not really surprised by his selection. Bloody Heighington on the bench though, rather give McMeeken a shot.

Definately have Bateman in the 13 but just not at Centre & agree Mcmeeken should be in the 17.

Wonder if he will make some changes for the other group games, particularly Currie. Hasn't had enough games back to really be ready to play Australia in the opener but a bench spot in the other group games and see how he goes. Got the talent just a question on fitness and rustiness.

Totally agree would seem pointless taking him otherwise.

Bennett has already said not losing by a lot is a good result - go figure?

Most attacking sides attack on their left so he should have swapped Bateman and Watkins around - as it is he has the worst of both options. No attacking threat on the left and potentially defensive weakness on the right.

Remember the three game series again NZ, Bateman didn’t pass to hall once. I’d rather have had Percival there. My first choice would have been Shenton. But not surprised one bit that that’s how Bennett has gone for his defence.

There’s only two proper second rowers in that 17, and ones at centre. The rest of the forwards are middle men. (And I include O’Loughlin in that now)

It’s gunna be a defensive game.

Not sure about Lomax expect him to be targeted particularly given the strength of both wingers.

But really looking to the tournament.

once again were trying to simply out defend Australia the same tactic we have used for 25 years, and we have beaten Australia about twice in that period. i will be shocked if we beat Australasia or Nz in this tournament. i hate being negative but i just cant see England even competing, the squad is a right job for the boys squad, too many players who have unproven fitness, a very week captain, no real threat in the forwards just grafters at best. not even bothering watching (or sky plus i'm at work)

He passed to Hall for his two tries last week.

That'll learn 'em.

England are clearly hoping to keep the opening encounter v Australia close on the scoreboard IMO

Aye expect a safety first game.

I think having Sam Burgess playing wider in good ball could be a significant positive