England holds firm with unchanged squad despite Tonga shock; women's team refreshed for Australia clash

Men's Team Stays the Course After Opening Loss

England's rugby league coach Brian McDermott has opted to make no changes to his 19-man squad ahead of Saturday's World Cup match against France in Perth, maintaining faith in his players despite a devastating 30-12 opening loss to Tonga. The defeat marked England's first-ever loss to the Tongan side and has severely complicated the team's path to the semi-finals. McDermott's decision to stick with the same lineup—including full-back AJ Brimson and half-backs George Williams and Harry Smith, both of whom were reportedly overpowered in the Tonga match—suggests the coach believes continuity and confidence will be more valuable than wholesale changes at this critical juncture.

The mathematics of England's World Cup survival are now unforgiving. McDermott's side must win both their remaining group games against France on Saturday and Papua New Guinea on October 30 to have a realistic chance of advancing, and likely needs to secure victories by substantial margins to improve goal difference. Even if England achieves this feat, the outcome may remain uncertain until two days after their final group match, when Tonga face 2022 finalists Samoa—a result that could determine whether England progresses or is eliminated. Morgan Knowles remains unavailable due to an injury sustained before the Tonga match, leaving Luke Thompson to continue at prop. Mikey Lewis, a controversial squad selection as a half-back option ahead of 2025 Super League Man of Steel Jake Connor, stays on the bench and out of the starting lineup.

Women's Squad Receives Major Overhaul

In sharp contrast to the men's unchanged approach, England women's coach Stuart Barrow has made significant alterations to his squad for Saturday's blockbuster matchup against co-hosts and reigning champions Australia. The most consequential change sees 19-year-old Jenna Foubister elevated to start at half-back, displacing Georgia Roche after an outstanding season with Wigan Warriors in which Foubister earned Woman of Steel honours. Foubister will partner Izzy Rowe, who delivered a commanding performance in England's opening 70-6 demolition of Wales, scoring two tries and kicking nine conversions for 26 points—equalling the record for most points by an England player in a single Women's World Cup match.

Two additional changes round out Barrow's adjustments: Molly Jones replaces Georgia Wilson in the centres, while Liv Wood takes over at prop from Mary Coleman. Lucie Sams enters the interchange rotation. This match in Perth carries particular weight, as it will be England's first encounter with Australia since suffering a catastrophic 90-4 defeat in Las Vegas in March 2025. The women's game kicks off at 10:05 BST, immediately following the men's match, creating a double-header that will test both squads' depth and mental resilience.

Broader Tournament Implications

Wales women's coach Thomas Brindle has also made several adjustments ahead of Friday's second-match clash against Samoa, including moving Zoe Heeley from centre to wing and introducing Jade Mullen into the centres. Meanwhile, Australia's Kevin Walters has made five changes to the men's squad for Sunday's game against Fiji, most notably dropping Reece Walsh—returning from injury absence since August 15 and appearing rusty in Australia's narrow 24-22 opening win over New Zealand—to the bench. James Tedesco, who won the Clive Churchill Medal as best player in the NRL Grand Final after Sydney Roosters defeated Newcastle Knights 19-18 on October 4, replaces Walsh and assumes the captaincy from Isaah Yeo, who is being rested despite having delayed pectoral surgery to compete in the tournament. Bradman Best, Sam Walker, and Blayke Brailey all earn maiden Test caps as part of Walters' reshaping of the Australian lineup.