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.
13. Mike McMeeken (two starts, one sub)
Earned a start with a strong effort off the bench at Wembley and had a real dig in both subsequent matches 7 Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
14. Harry Newman (one appearance)
Had to wait until his home ground to get a go, but did a decent job in the dead rubber 6 Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
15. Mikolaj Oledzki (two sub appearances)
Did okay, especially at Headingley, but deserved more game time 6 Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
16. Kai Pearce-Paul (three appearances)
Was solid through the three matches, but could have offered more with the ball 6 Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com
17. Harry Smith (two appearances)
Put in some decent kicks and landed all his goals, but didn't really create anything 5 Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
18. Morgan Smithies (2 sub appearances)
Gave England a lift in both games when he came off the bench 7 Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com