England boss Shaun Wane drops selection hint as he discusses back-row options

Matt Parish's men are an imposing outfit, from Josh Papali'i and Junior Paulo in the front row to Brian To'o on the wing.

Wane, who has spoken all year about the need to match the Pacific Islanders physically in the World Cup opener, is likely to select a team capable of countering Samoa's strengths rather than his best 17 players.

"I need to consider that as well," he said.

"That does change slightly, no question. At the end of the day, we have to win whatever it takes.

"I'll pick the team that's going to get that for us."

Wane remains coy about the make-up of his side for the St James' Park clash, in contrast to holders Australia who named their 17 for Saturday's game against Fiji on Tuesday morning.

Forward Mike McMeeken, who is nursing a leg injury, will be given every chance to prove his fitness before Wane finalises his line-up.

"I'm going to name it tomorrow," he said at Tuesday's press conference.

"I've got discussions with players later and then we'll do ours in the morning.

"Mike has trained today and will hopefully train tomorrow. If he does, he's got a chance of being there."

Elliott Whitehead appears to be guaranteed a spot in the second row but Wane has yet to decide who will partner the former Bradford Bulls forward.

"Morgan Knowles, Kai (Pearce-Paul), Joe Batchelor – we've got some good talent in the team and a good mix," said Wane.

"I'm more or less settled with my 17 but not quite there yet."

Kallum Watkins spent the 2022 Super League season in the second row and excelled, helping Salford Red Devils to the play-off semi-finals.

The 31-year-old has lined up at centre for England this year but Wane is open to moving him to the pack.

"If needed on Saturday, I know I could rely on him," he added.

"The way he's trained has been phenomenal and I wouldn't have any qualms about putting him in there."

The tournament will be played under international laws, meaning the majority of Wane's squad must adapt to certain rules on the run.

The captain’s challenge used in the NRL has been adopted to provide teams with the opportunity to legitimately question a referee's decision.

Sides are allowed one unsuccessful challenge per game, with players and officials briefed on the procedures ahead of the tournament.

Wane has done his utmost to ensure England are not caught out in the opening game, which will go a long way to deciding which team will avoid Tonga in the quarter-finals.

"I've shown the players some detail on it and printed out the areas where we can challenge and where we can't," said Wane.

"We've had a good discussion about it and we want to go into this game making sure nothing can go wrong.

"With regards to the play the ball as well, it's going to be how it is in Australia where you have to attempt to touch it with your foot.

"We need to make sure we're switched on and doing the right thing. We don't want a shock on Saturday and get penalised for anything.”