Joe Burgess Set to End England Wait After Squad Changes
England have announced their 19-man squad for the third and final Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley this Saturday, featuring two changes from the team that lost 14-4 in the second Test.
Squad Update and Context
Following defeats of 26-6 and 14-4 in the first two Tests at Wembley and Hill Dickinson Stadium, England trails 2-0 in the series and cannot win the Ashes. The final match in Leeds will be played for pride as they seek to avoid a 3-0 whitewash on home soil.
Kevin Walters, Australia's head coach, had hinted they might rest players, but the Kangaroos have decided to field their full-strength team aiming to complete the whitewash.
Changes to England’s Lineup
- Hull KR winger Joe Burgess replaces Dom Young on the wings.
- Leeds Rhinos centre Harry Newman comes in for Jake Wardle in the centres.
If Burgess and Newman both play, every member of England’s 24-man squad for the autumn campaign will have featured in at least one of the three Ashes Tests.
Significance of Changes
These two alterations maintain England’s competitiveness while giving fresh opportunities ahead of the final match, as confirmed by head coach Shaun Wane.
Shaun Wane said, "We have made two changes to strengthen the team and bring in players in form."
England prepares to face a strong Australian side determined to complete an emphatic series victory.
Author’s Summary
This lineup update highlights England’s strategic adjustments as they aim to salvage pride in an Ashes series already lost to a dominant Australian side.