England’s head coach, Brian McDermott, has officially named George Williams as the skipper for the nation’s squad heading to next month’s Rugby League World Cup. The decision comes after Williams overcame a serious neck injury that required surgical intervention in April. Remarkably, he made his comeback in August and immediately re‑established himself as a key figure for the Warrington Wolves, driving the club’s push toward a Super League Grand Final berth.
Williams’ resurgence has been nothing short of inspirational. After his surgery, he returned to full‑time training and quickly reclaimed a starting spot in the Wolves’ backline. His performances have been characterized by relentless energy, aggressive ball‑carrying, and a willingness to put his body on the line for the team.
Those qualities have not only helped Warrington secure a place in the eliminators against Hull KR this Saturday – a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports – but have also convinced McDermott that Williams possesses the leadership attributes required at the international level. The eliminator is a high‑stakes encounter, with the winner set to face the Wigan Warriors in the semi‑finals. The ultimate prize, a place in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, hangs in the balance. McDermott praised Williams’ return, stating that his "leadership has been really good" and noting how the player’s determination has been evident ever since his rehabilitation.
When asked about his familiarity with the squad, McDermott admitted, "I didn't really know George at all. In fact, I didn't know many of the squad at all, to be fair.
I've only ever shook their hands after games." He went on to recall the first time he met Williams, recalling a match where Leeds – his former team – suffered a heavy defeat to Wigan. "I normally shook George's hand after his team beat my team when I was at Leeds. We had a horrible record against Wigan in the regular season!" he laughed.
Since then, McDermott says, getting to know Williams has been a pleasure. "He's keen as anything and while he was injured, you could tell if anyone was coming back from injury early then it would be him. I'm pleased to see the form he's in now, the intent he's playing.
He's not feathering about on his feet and waiting for the game to come to him, he's going and getting the game. He goes and chases the game and that's George Williams all over." The coach reflected on Williams’ early days in the top tier, when his fearless approach left teammates and opponents alike wondering, "who the hell's this guy?" Over the years, Williams has added strength and tactical awareness to his raw physicality, making him a more rounded and intelligent player. With the captaincy secured, Williams is expected to occupy one of the half‑back positions for England.
This raises strategic 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 October 15 to November 15. "Whether we take a six and a seven to back up the six and a seven that I have in mind to start, I'm still not sure," McDermott explained. "We're certainly going to take another half.
We need to take another half. But if we take two halves as cover, it has an impact on how many covers we have for our outside backs, what cover we have with the back rowers, what cover we have for the other spine members as well. Some of that will be to do with form, some of that will be to do with versatility as well." He added that versatility could be a deciding factor: "If a guy can play in the halves, but he can also play at nine, I might favour that as well.
Unsure yet. Certainly, the spine members there, it's a difficult one with the spine members.
I've got to see them play in finals. Everyone would understand who the spine members are going to be or what other players I'm choosing from.
But there's another couple out there that the finals will reveal." The coach emphasized the importance of handling pressure: "Can they handle the big occasion? Can they handle the game when there's so much on the balance? I'll certainly be taking one half as back‑up. Whether I take two or not, it's dependent on the ship." 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.
He praised their experience, noting that both have been instrumental in shaping the squad’s tactical approach and defensive structures. "We've had a lot of contact.
We jump on a Teams call and we've done a tonne of phone calls, just us three together, talking about squads, talking about tactics, defensive strategies, state of the game – everything we've covered," McDermott said. He highlighted the respect he has for O'Loughlin and Wellens, describing them as two of the finest players the country has produced and as valuable mentors for the upcoming World Cup campaign. The Super League play‑offs continue to provide a thrilling backdrop to the international preparations. The schedule includes: - Friday, September 18: Wakefield Trinity vs Leigh Leopards, kickoff 8 pm on Sky Sports - Saturday, September 19: Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR, kickoff 5.30 pm on Sky Sports (the eliminator mentioned earlier) - Friday, September 25: Semi‑Final 1 – Leeds Rhinos vs TBD, kickoff 8 pm on Sky Sports - Saturday, September 26: Semi‑Final 2 – Wigan Warriors vs TBD, kickoff 5.30 pm on Sky Sports These fixtures will run through to the Grand Final at Old Trafford on October 3, after which the England squad will depart for the World Cup.
The tournament promises to be a showcase of the sport’s best talent, and with George Williams at the helm, England will be looking to combine his dynamic play‑making abilities with the seasoned guidance of O'Loughlin and Wellens to mount a serious challenge for the title.