Injuries have limited coach Shaun Wane’s options and he has made some surprising calls in leaving Ryan Hall, Andy Ackers, Joe Batchelor and Mikiolaj Oledzki out of his 19-man squad for the opener at St James’s Park in Newcastle.
England will need to be on top of their game to get anything from the game which is being televised live on the BBC. Here’s how Wane’s side could line up.
1. Full-back: Sam Tomkins
The England captain didn't play in the warm-up match against Fiji, but if fit is a certainty to start the tournament opener in his specialist role. Photo: Paul Currie/SWpix.com
2. Wing: Tommy Makinson
More or less guaranteed a place anyway, but even more so as one of only two wingers in the initial 19. Photo: Paul Currie/SWpix.com
3. Centre: Kallum Watkins
Has reinvented himself as a seocnd-rower with Salford this year, his Test experience will be important and he's likely to revert to his former role in the three-quarters. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
4. Centre: Herbie Farnworth
The Brisbane Broncos man looked a little shaky at times in the warm-up agianst Fiji, but will keep his place to face Samoa. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
5. Wing: Dom Young
It's a surprise the 21-year-old Newcastle Knights man has been selected in the initial 19 ahead of the vastly experience Ryan Hall, but he did impress against Fiji. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
6. Scrum-half: George Williams
The Warrington man didn't exactly set Super League alight this year, but Shaun Wane rates him and he will have a big job to do if England are to get anything from their tough World Cup opener. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com