Briscoe handed chance to shine by McNamara

Coach Steve McNamara has made just three changes to the 19-man squad he picked for their opening loss against Australia.

Canterbury prop James Graham is recalled after being omitted, apparently for disciplinary reasons, last week.

He replaces Wigan Warriors front-row Lee Mossop while Wigan captain Sean O’Loughlin returns from injury to take the spot of suspended Sam Burgess.

Briscoe, however, has the most obvious opportunity to shine as the player who recently left Hull FC comes in for the prolific Wigan winger Josh Charnley.

“We have made a slight adjustment to the squad this week,” said McNamara.

“We have one forced with the suspension of Sam Burgess. It gives us a chance to look at a couple of other members of the squad. It suits us to have a consistent selection from last week with a couple of tweaks.

“Josh Charnley did fine on Saturday. He has a slight shoulder niggle so the rest will do him no harm.

“The competition for places amongst the wingers is very fierce and Tom Briscoe has done extremely well in training. He will be given a chance to make an impact.”

McNamara added: “Lee Mossop came on at a difficult period in the game and tried his best in what was a tough match against Australia. I just wanted to slightly change things around and go with some different personnel.”

McNamara says O’Loughlin’s inclusion at loose forward gives a “new dimension to the forward pack” while he spoke of England’s desire ahead of the sold-out Huddersfield contest.

“The players are well aware of what is at stake,” he said. “The next five weeks are the biggest of our careers. We are ready to do the nation proud.

“The Rugby League World Cup has captured the imagination of the sporting public and it is an honour to be part of it.

“For once, the sport is firmly part of national consciousness and the amount of support we’re generating is phenomenal. It’s very satisfying to be at the centre of it.”

England (from): Ablett, Briscoe, G Burgess, T Burgess, Burrow, Chase, Cudjoe, Farrell, Ferres, Graham, Hall, Hill, O’Loughlin, Roby, Sinfield, Tomkins, Watkins, Westwood, Widdop.