Arabic version: ليتن ونولز أساسيان مع إنجلترا أمام بابوا غينيا الجديدة

According to BBC News, Jez Litten and Morgan Knowles have been brought into England’s starting line-up for Friday’s must-win Men’s Rugby League World Cup match against Papua New Guinea in Wollongong.

Hull KR hooker Litten replaces Brad O’Neill, who is not in the 19-player matchday squad after wearing number nine in last Saturday’s 82-0 win over France. O’Neill was named Super League’s best player in 2026.

Dolphins lock Knowles returns after missing England’s opening two matches with a calf injury. He replaces Victor Radley in the starting side, with Radley moving to the bench. Warrington wing Matty Ashton keeps his place, while Wigan’s Zach Eckersley is again outside the matchday 19.

England play Papua New Guinea at 09:05 GMT on Friday. Beaten 30-12 by Tonga in their opening match, England revived their semi-final hopes by defeating France. They must beat the co-hosts and then hope Tonga defeat Samoa two days later.

If Samoa win, England will be eliminated because of their inferior head-to-head record against Tonga. Should Tonga win, qualification will be decided on points difference between England and Samoa; England are currently 68 points worse off.