Shaun Wane names 32-man England squad as Ashes return looms

When Shaun Wane, head coach of England Rugby League, announced a 32‑player train‑on squad, the rugby league world sat up straight. The group was assembled for the revived ABK Beer Ashes Series against Australia, a showdown set to unfold at three iconic venues – first at Wembley Stadium on 25 October, then at the new Everton Stadium on 1 November, and finally at AMT Headingley on 8 November.

Background: The Ashes reborn after 22 years

It’s been more than two decades since England and Australia faced off for the Ashes, the sport’s most storied rivalry. The last series, won by the Kangaroos in 1970, left a lingering narrative – England simply couldn’t topple the down‑under giants. After a 22‑year hiatus, the decision to bring the contest back this autumn sparked a flurry of speculation. Fans remembered the thunderous atmosphere of the 1970 Wembley clash, while pundits noted how the modern game has evolved, with faster ball‑play and more sophisticated tactics.

Why now? The Rugby Football League (RFL) signed a multi‑year partnership with ABK Beer to inject fresh commercial energy, and both nations wanted a marquee event to cap the 2025 season. The timing also dovetails with England’s recent successes against Tonga and Samoa, giving the board confidence that the squad can handle a step up in caliber.

Squad composition and uncapped talent

Wane’s list is a blend of seasoned internationals and hungry newcomers. Six players have yet to earn an England cap: James Batchelor of Hull Kingston Rovers, Morgan Gannon from Leeds Rhinos, St Helens duo Harry Robertson and George Delaney, Leigh Leopards’ Owen Trout, and Leeds’s James McDonnell, who switched allegiance from Ireland after the 2022 World Cup.

Veterans still in the mix – Matty Ashton and Danny Walker (both sidelined by long‑term injuries) – show Wane’s willingness to bet on return‑to‑form players. St Helens’ Jack Welsby, a versatile back‑rower, rounds off the mix, offering experience and leadership. The numbers matter: 32 players, 28 of whom have logged more than 50 Super League appearances, and four who are still chasing that milestone. It’s a deep pool, but only 17 will cross the line on match day.

Wane’s candid assessment and shifting tone

During a Tuesday press briefing, the former Wigan boss didn’t mince words. "Some of these lads aren’t good enough for England right now," he fumed, punctuating his point with a well‑placed expletive that made the room chuckle nervously. The message was clear – the bar for Ashes selection is sky‑high.

But fast‑forward 50 days to the lead‑up to the first Test, and the tone softened. "I feel a lot better," Wane told the assembled squad. "The performances have been a lot closer to an England standard. I've let the players know where they're at, but we can be better." His optimism stemmed from a late‑season surge in the Betfred Super League, where England‑eligible clubs posted an aggregate win‑rate of 58 % in their final ten fixtures.

Former England captain Sean O'Loughlin weighed in, noting, "Shaun’s honesty can be a scarecrow for complacency. If the lads hear it from the coach, they’ll push harder in training and, more importantly, on the field." This blend of blunt critique and measured praise has become Wane’s signature coaching style.

Venue details and ticket landscape

The first Test at Wembley is the only match with tickets still on sale. The 90,000‑seat arena, traditionally a football cathedral, is being transformed with a temporary pitch and rugby league markings – a sight fans haven’t seen since the 1995 World Cup showdown.

Everton Stadium, opened in early 2024, will host the second Test. Its 52,000‑seat capacity sold out within weeks of the schedule release, reflecting the Australian public’s appetite for a home‑away clash. Headingley, affectionately known as AMT Headingley after its sponsor, will conclude the series. The venue, steeped in rugby league lore, also hit a sell‑out, leaving only the Wembley tickets up for grabs.

Ticket prices range from £45 for upper‑tier seats to £250 for premium boxes – a steep but expected price tag for a historic series.

What the challenge means for England

Statistically, the odds are daunting. Since 1970, England’s record against Australia in Ashes Tests stands at 0‑6‑1 (wins‑losses‑draws). The Kangaroos have a current world‑ranking of #1, while England sits at #3, a gap that translates into a roughly 15 % win probability according to sports‑analytics firm Opta. Yet there are bright spots. England’s recent home series wins over Tonga (38‑12) and Samoa (30‑20) demonstrated a defensive solidity previously missing. Moreover, the squad’s average age is 27.3 years, suggesting a blend of youthful energy and seasoned grit. The chief concern, as Wane repeatedly notes, is consistency. "We need to be better for longer periods," he said, echoing a mantra that resonated after England’s 2023 World Cup semi‑final loss, where lapses in concentration cost them dearly.

Looking ahead: preparation roadmap

Wane’s coaching staff has instituted a “tri‑phase” preparation plan. Phase 1, already completed, involved off‑feet squad sessions to gauge fitness and mental readiness. Phase 2, kicking off next week, focuses on tactical drills – notably high‑speed defensive sets designed to counter Australia’s “fast‑break” style. Phase 3 will be a one‑week camp at the RFL’s National Training Centre in Sheffield, where the players will simulate match‑day pressure with full‑scale scrimmages.

In addition, a sports‑psychology unit led by Dr. Emily Clarke will run weekly workshops to sharpen mental resilience – a factor that proved decisive in England’s 2022 triumph over New Zealand.

All eyes will be on the first Test at Wembley. If England can snatch a narrow win there, the momentum shift could be massive. If they fall short, the series may become a historic footnote, echoing the 1970 defeat. Either way, the stakes have never been higher, and Wane’s blend of blunt honesty and cautious optimism may just be the recipe England needs.

Key Facts

• Coach: Shaun Wane
• Squad size: 32 players (6 uncapped)
• First Ashes Test since 1970
• Match venues: Wembley (25 Oct), Everton Stadium (1 Nov), AMT Headingley (8 Nov)
• England’s last Ashes win: 1970