England’s head coach, Brian McDermott, has officially named George Williams as the skipper for the nation’s squad heading to the Rugby League World Cup next month. The decision comes after Williams made a remarkable recovery from a serious neck injury that required surgery in April. By August he was back on the field, turning out for the Warrington Wolves and quickly re-establishing himself as a key play‑maker, intent on steering his club toward a Super League Grand Final appearance.
Warrington’s upcoming clash with Hull KR in the elimination round, scheduled for this Saturday and broadcast live on Sky Sports, will be a crucial test. The winner of that fixture will earn a semi‑final berth against the Wigan Warriors, with the ultimate prize – the Grand Final at Old Trafford on 3 October – still up for grabs.
McDermott praised Williams’ resurgence, noting that his leadership qualities have been evident since his return. "His leadership has been really good," the coach said, adding that he had previously known little about the player beyond a handshake after a club match when McDermott was with Leeds.
The two men first met when Leeds faced Warrington, a game that ended in a disappointing record for Leeds against Wigan in the regular season. Since then, McDermott has grown to appreciate Williams’ work ethic.
"He’s keen as anything," the coach observed. "When he was injured you could always tell if anyone was making an early comeback – it would be him." Williams now plays with a confidence and intensity that McDermott finds refreshing.
"He’s not feathering about on his feet, waiting for the game to come to him," the coach explained. "He goes out and gets the game, chases it, and that’s George Williams in a nutshell." When Williams first broke into first‑grade rugby league, his impact was immediate. "We all thought, ‘who the hell’s this guy?’" McDermott recalled. The young half‑back proved his worth by constantly seeking out the ball, challenging his opposite number, and exploiting gaps left by slower defenders.
Over the past few seasons, he has added physical strength and tactical awareness to his natural aggression, making him a more rounded and wiser player. As captain, Williams is expected to occupy one of the two half‑back positions for England, a decision that inevitably raises questions about who will partner him in the halves.
Several candidates are in contention, including Mikey Lewis, Jake Connor, Harry Smith and Hugo Savala. McDermott hinted that only three of these players will travel to the World Cup, which will be staged across Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea from 15 October to 15 November. "Whether we take a six‑and‑seven to back up the six‑and‑seven that I have in mind to start, I’m still not sure," McDermott admitted.
"We’re certainly going to take another half‑back as cover, but adding two halves reduces the number of backs, forwards and utility players we can bring. It’s a balancing act between form, versatility and squad depth." The coach also stressed the value of players who can operate in multiple roles. "If a guy can play in the halves and also slot in at nine, I might favour that as well," he said.
The final selections will likely be shaped by performances in the upcoming Super League finals, where the coaching staff will assess which players thrive under pressure and can handle the weight of a World Cup campaign. In addition to naming the captain, McDermott confirmed that former England greats Sean O'Loughlin and Paul Wellens will serve as assistant coaches for the tournament. The trio has been in constant communication, holding Teams calls and numerous phone conversations to discuss squad composition, defensive structures, tactical approaches and the overall state of the game. "Lockers and Wello have been two of the best players our country has produced, and arguably among the finest internationally," McDermott said.
He praised their professionalism and humility, noting that they are still active players – O'Loughlin with Wigan and Wellens with the Cowboys – and therefore careful not to disturb their club commitments with late‑night Zoom requests. The coaching duo has offered invaluable insight into the mindset required for international competition. "No matter whether the game is won or lost, those two always come out of the international arena with their heads held high," McDermott observed.
"I’ve learned a lot from them about representative football, the mentality for World Cup squads and how things should be done." The Super League play‑offs kick off on Friday 18 September, with Wakefield Trinity traveling to Leigh Leopards at 8 pm on Sky Sports. The following day, Warrington Wolves face Hull KR at 5.30 pm, also on Sky Sports. Semi‑final fixtures are slated for 25 September (Leeds Rhinos versus a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent) and 26 September (Wigan Warriors versus a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent), both broadcast live. These matches will not only decide the clubs that advance to the Grand Final but also serve as a final proving ground for players vying for England’s World Cup squad.
Performances in the high‑stakes environment of the play‑offs often influence final selections, especially for the versatile half‑backs and spine players McDermott is still weighing. In summary, George Williams’ appointment as England captain signals a vote of confidence in his leadership, resilience and attacking instincts.
His rapid comeback from a neck operation, coupled with his relentless pursuit of the ball, makes him a natural choice to lead the side on the world stage. The coaching staff, bolstered by the experience of O'Loughlin and Wellens, will now fine‑tune the squad, balancing specialist halves with utility players, to field a team capable of competing against the best nations in the Southern Hemisphere. The journey to the Rugby League World Cup begins in the Super League play‑offs, and England’s fans will be watching closely as their captain‑to‑be drives Warrington toward a possible Grand Final, while also preparing to lift the national banner in October and November abroad.