Rugby League: England name squad for Kiwis clash

There are no surprises in the England team to face the Kiwis on Monday, with coach Steve McNamara sticking with the players that destroyed France last weekend.

The 19-man squad features five players drawn from the NRL, including James Graham, Tom Burgess and Gareth Widdop.

The remainder are based in the Super League, with familiar names like Ryan Hall, Sean O'Loughlin and Kallum Watkins mixed in with some promising young players.

Last week England thrashed a depleted France side 84-4, running in 15 tries in a record victory against the Europeans.

"We've set ourselves up to perform well in the four internationals that we've got and the French result was a good reflection of the way the team prepared and practiced in the two weeks prior to it," said McNamara.

"We did well [but there's areas for improvement and we'll come under much more pressure and intensity this week. It's about being able to perform to the same level even though the pressure is on."

There are six survivors from England last victory over the Kiwis - a comprehensive 28-6 victory in the 2011 Four Nations tournament - which was also at the KC Stadium in Hull.

"It's great for us to be playing in Hull," said McNamara. "This place is one of the heartbeats of League, with very passionate fans and two Super League teams in the city.

Every time we've played in Hull as an international team the players have always commented on the tremendous support that they've received, and how passionate everybody is."

The match is live on SKY Sport 2 at 5.30am on Monday (NZT).

England 19-man squad to face the Kiwis

John Bateman (Wigan Warriors)
Joe Burgess (Wigan Warriors)
Thomas Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Mike Cooper (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield Giants)
Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors)
Brett Ferres (Huddersfield Giants)
James Graham (Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs)
Ryan Hall (Leeds Rhinos)
Zak Hardaker (Leeds Rhinos)
Chris Hill (Warrington Wolves)
Josh Hodgson (Canberra Raiders)
Sean O'Loughlin, captain (Wigan Warriors)
James Roby (St Helens)
Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos)
Ben Westwood (Warrington Wolves)
Elliott Whitehead (Catalans Dragons)
Gareth Widdop (St George Illawarra Dragons)
George Williams (Wigan Warriors)

- By Michael Burgess in Hull

Autex - Proud sponsors of New Zealand rugby league since 1981