Joe Burgess to End Decade-Long England Wait After Squad Changes
England has announced a 19-man squad for the third and final Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley on Saturday, with 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 clash in Leeds. England, having suffered defeats of 26-6 and 14-4 in the first two Tests at Wembley and Hill Dickinson Stadium, trail Australia 2-0 in the series and can no longer win the Ashes.
The home side will now play for pride, aiming to avoid a 3-0 whitewash on home soil. Contrary to earlier hints from Australian coach Kevin Walters, the Kangaroos will field their full-strength team in pursuit of the clean sweep.
Squad Changes
- Joe Burgess, Hull KR winger, replaces Dom Young.
- Harry Newman, Leeds Rhinos centre, replaces Jake Wardle.
If Burgess and Newman both play, every member of England’s 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, which seems probable, every member of England’s 24-man squad this autumn will have participated in at least one of the three Tests.”
These changes are direct replacements within the same positions, reflecting Wane’s adjustments after two tough losses.
Series Outlook
England’s focus now shifts to pride and fighting spirit at Headingley, while Australia seeks to complete a dominant Ashes campaign with a whitewash.
Summary: England’s squad tweak brings Joe Burgess and Harry Newman into the final Ashes Test as the team aims to restore pride after consecutive defeats against Australia.