England Announces Squad for Final Ashes Test Against Australia
England's head coach Shaun Wane has confirmed a 19-man squad for the third and final Ashes Test against Australia at a sold-out Headingley this Saturday. This follows their two defeats in the series, losing 26-6 and 14-4 in the first two Tests at Wembley and Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Current Series Status and Motivation
England trail 2-0 in the series and can no longer win the Ashes this autumn. Their focus now is on pride, aiming to avoid a 3-0 whitewash on home soil during the match in Leeds.
Australia's Approach
Contrary to earlier hints by their head coach Kevin Walters, Australia will field a full-strength team in the final Test as they push to complete the whitewash.
Squad Changes
Two changes have been made from the previous squad named before the second Test in Merseyside:
- Joe Burgess, winger from Hull KR, replaces Dom Young.
- Harry Newman, centre from Leeds Rhinos, replaces Jake Wardle.
These additions are expected to see both players take the field, meaning every member of England's 24-man squad this autumn will have played in at least one Test.
"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."
Summary
England faces a challenging final Ashes Test with squad tweaks aiming to salvage pride as Australia looks to seal a clean sweep on English soil.
Author's note: England's latest squad adjustments reflect a strategic effort to restore pride after early Ashes defeats and avoid a series whitewash at home.