Five unlikely candidates for England selection ahead of Rugby League World Cup

With England’s mid-season international against the Combined Nations All Stars coming into focus, debate has stirred over who will feature in a game seen as vital preparation for the World Cup. Some of Shaun Wane’s contenders, such as Leeds Rhinos centre Harry Newman, are currently injured, or out of form. Here, Rugby League Live assesses whether that could open the door for a number of in-form players to stake a claim to be included.

The big second-rower played for England under Wayne Bennett and featured at at the last World Cup in 2017. That came on the back of arguably the finest seasons of his career when he helped Castleford Tigers to finish top of Super League and reach the Grand Final.

McMeeken has thrived since joining Catalans Dragons and last season, his debut campaign in Perpignan, he helped Steve McNamara’s side to win the League Leaders’ Shield and make it to Old Trafford. This season he has played plenty of games in the front row at prop, showing his versatility and physical approach that Shane Wane admires.

A potential dark horse for a place in this year’s World Cup squad.

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The former Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity prop has been one of Hull Kingston Rovers’ most consistent performers so far this year. His displays will have no doubt not gone unnoticed by Shaun Wane but it seems that King is likely to continue playing for Ireland.

The 27-year-old has won 10 caps for Ireland since making his international debut in 2016. King was born and raised in West Yorkshire, England but qualifies to play for Ireland through his mother’s side of the family.

The St Helens second-rower is enjoying a fine season and has