England winger Ryan Hall ready to push World Cup case after strange experience

Hall earned 40 caps, scored a record 35 tries and appeared in two World Cups before Young had even crossed the whitewash at professional level.

But all that counted for nothing last week when England boss Shaun Wane opted for youth over experience against Samoa in the opening World Cup game.

With Hall reduced to the role of spectator at St James' Park, Young went on to score an exhilarating quickfire double in the 60-6 victory to vindicate Wane's decision.

Rather than feel sorry for himself after receiving the bad news, Hall played a role in helping his fellow winger prepare for his competitive international debut.

That was after the Hull KR veteran, who turns 35 next month, got over the initial disappointment.

“Being in the position in previous years where it seems I was always included, it was hard to take,” said Hall ahead of his return alongside Young in Saturday's clash with France.

“But it was only hard to take for about three seconds when I realised there is more to it than just being disappointed and moping around.

“I had a job to do. There are 24 people in the squad who trained hard all week to prepare the 17.

"I was pleased with the way I reacted and helped the team build for last week’s game.”

England are a unified group under Wane, who has instilled a team-first mentality despite a lack of time together since his appointment in early 2020.

Wane was impressed by the way the seven omitted players responded to last week's disappointment and has rewarded each one with a place in his team for the second group match in Bolton.

In his time in the England set-up, Hall has gradually seen the players push their club allegiances to one side.

"It's part of the camaraderie we've got," said Hall on the 'no moping around' buy-in.

"We've got a great team spirit and it's really good to feel that in an England team.

"I've been in previous England teams where it's not been as tight. That's no fault of anyone; you've got to build that sort of thing.

"It's been a work in progress for years. There are quite a few similar faces that have been around for a few years and some new ones as well.

"Everyone has bought into the ethos. All the older lads have stayed strong and helped bring the young lads in."

While each and every player is driven by a common goal, there are places to earn for the latter stages of the tournament.

Hall finds himself below Young and the rested Tommy Makinson in the pecking order but he has been around long enough to know that could quickly change.

The 34-year-old is desperate to force his way into Wane's plans for the final group game against Greece in Sheffield.

"That's the aim," he said.

"It's only a short competition so every minute and second on that pitch counts for me.

"I'll be doing everything I can to get my name on the teamsheet for next week. I need to perform."

The clash at the University of Bolton Stadium offers Hall the chance to extend his phenomenal tryscoring record at international level.

But, continuing the theme of the camp to date, he is focused on improving England's fortunes on the world stage first and foremost.

“I’ll be thinking about the winning and how little we’ve done on the international stage,” said Hall, who is one of six survivors from the team that lost to Australia in the 2017 World Cup final.

“We’ve won a couple of tournaments against the Kiwis but it’s the World Cup and we’ve haven’t won that for 50 years.

“If I can score one try in the final and help us win, great, if I do something else on the field to help us win, that’s also great.”

Hall has faced France nine times and never once come out on the losing side, scoring 13 tries in the process.

Indeed, Les Bleus are winless in 20 meetings and have to go back 41 years for their last win over England.

But Hall has seen enough over the years to suggest Wane's men are in for a rough ride.

"They've got some big boys in their team," he said.

"In any walk of life, I don't think the French like the English so we'll expect some fireworks at the start.

"It starts at 0-0 at zero minutes and hopefully it finishes in our favour after 80."

England: S Tomkins (capt); D Young, H Farnworth, K Watkins, R Hall; G Williams, M Sneyd; C Hill, A Ackers, M Oledzki, J Batchelor, E Whitehead, J Bateman. Subs: M McMeeken, J Welsby, L Thompson, T Burgess.

France (from): M Escaré, A Romano, S Langi, M Laguerre, F Yaha, A Mourgue, T Gigot, J Dezaria, A Da Costa, L Belmas, B Jullien, P Séguier, B Garcia (capt), E Pélissier, J Sangaré, G Springer, M Goudemand, C Le Cam, C Rougé.

Referee: Gerard Sutton (Australia).

Touch judges: Liam Moore and Todd Smith.

Video referee: Robert Hicks.