2023 Super League Season and England’s Upcoming International Fixtures
With the 2023 Super League season now past its midpoint, attention has begun to shift towards England’s upcoming international fixtures. The national team has a packed schedule over the next two years, providing a significant boost for the international game. England will kick things off with a mid-season clash against France on June 29th, celebrating the 90th anniversary of rugby league in the country. This will be followed by a two-match series against Samoa, where the side will be eager to avenge their agonizing exit at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
England head coach Shaun Wane, a man on a mission to guide the nation to international success, has identified three players he expects to make a difference for the national side. Speaking to the Sportsman YouTube channel, Wane highlighted the importance of introducing young talents like Harry Newman, Mikey Lewis, and Harry Sunderland as the team looks to the future.
“When I finish in a few years’ time, I’m going to leave it in a really good spot,” said Wane, emphasizing his desire to build a strong foundation for England’s upcoming Ashes series in 2025 and the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Wane took charge of the England team in 2020 and led them to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup. Despite the heartbreaking 27-26 defeat against Samoa, the coach is determined to use the upcoming fixtures as an opportunity to continue his preparations for the international challenges ahead.
“We’ve got an Ashes next year and then a World Cup, and I’m having to build on that as well,” he explained. “If I think a player’s not going to be in my thoughts for the World Cup, then it’s going to be hard for me to deal with them this year.”
With the rugby league community eagerly anticipating the England team’s progress, Wane’s focus on youth development and long-term planning suggests a promising future for the national side. As they take on France and Samoa in the coming months, the spotlight will be on the players Wane believes will make a difference and lead England towards international rugby league success.
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