It’s easy in hindsight, but many pundits and supporters felt beforehand England had selected the wrong squad, preferring known quantities to players in form - and that proved to be the case. The hosts managed only two tries in three Tests, losing by an aggregate score of 70-18 and few, if any, of coach Shaun Wane’s squad will feel they gave the best account of themselves. Here’s how the YEP rated the England players’ performance over the full series.
7. Ethan Havard (one appearance)
Was steady, but didn’t make much of an impact in the opener and spent the rest of the series on the sidelines 4 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
8. Tom Johnstone (three appearances)
Missed some chances in the first two games and made some key errors at Everton, but looked more comfortable in the Leeds Test without threatening the line 5 Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
9. Morgan Knowles (three appearances)
Did well on defence, but made too many errors with ball in hand 6 Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
10. Matty Lees (three appearances)
Had a decent series, especially in the second Test when he made a real impact 7 Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
11. Mikey Lewis (one start, two sub)
Kept in check at Wembley, got very little time off the bench at Everton and had a tough afternoon out of position in Leeds 4 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
12. Jez Litten (two starts, one sub)
England’s best, deserved to start Tests two and three after not enough time at Wembley, produced the hosts’ best play of the series to set up their only try in Leeds 8 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com