Joe Burgess to End England's Decade-Long Wait After Squad Changes
England have announced their 19-man squad for the final Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley on Saturday, featuring two changes from the team that lost 14-4 in the second Test.
Head coach Shaun Wane revealed the squad ahead of the sold-out match as England prepares to play solely for pride after defeats of 26-6 and 14-4 in the first two Tests at Wembley and Hill Dickinson Stadium. With the series lost 2-0, England can no longer win the Ashes and seek to avoid a 3-0 whitewash on home soil.
Despite earlier suggestions by Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters that they might not field their strongest lineup, Australia have chosen to play at full strength in pursuit of the whitewash.
Squad Changes and Impact
Two changes from last week's 19-man squad named ahead of the second Test include Hull KR winger Joe Burgess and Leeds Rhinos centre Harry Newman. Burgess replaces winger Dom Young, while Newman comes in for centre Jake Wardle.
It is likely both Burgess and Newman will take the field, which would mean every England player from their 24-man squad this autumn will have featured in at least one of the three Tests.
“If both of these players take to the pitch, every member of England's 24-man squad this autumn will have participated in at least one of the three Tests.”
Author's summary: England's final Ashes Test squad includes Joe Burgess and Harry Newman, marking a crucial moment as the team plays to salvage pride after losses and aims to prevent a 3-0 whitewash.