Smithies called into England squad for second Test

AJ Brimson is set to make his England debut at fullback and Morgan Smithies faces an Ashes recall after coach Shaun Wane made changes from the series opening loss at Wembley.

Brimson was 18th man in the First Ashes Test in London but is expected to replace Jack Welsby in the England No.1 jersey after the St Helens fullback wasn't named in the 19-man squad for the must-win Second Test at the sold-out Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Cowboys second-rower John Bateman and Wigan prop Ethan Havard are the other players missing from the squad after last Saturday's 26-6 loss to Australia. It has been reported that Bateman was injured - not dropped.

Smithies, the Canberra Raiders lock, Wigan halfback Harry Smith, Leeds prop Mikolaj Oledzki and former Gold Coast Titans centre Kallum Watkins, who now plays in the second row for the Rhinos, are the other new faces.

Brimson, who successfully changed his international eligibility earlier this year from Australia to England, is in line to represent his mother's English heritage.

Smithies comes into Wane’s squad after a season which saw him lift the JJ Giltinan Shield for winning the minor premiership with Canberra while Watkins could earn his 30th England cap this weekend.

Smith had previously featured in the last six England fixtures against Tonga, France and Samoa and could partner captain George Williams in the halves, with Mikey Lewis playing the interchange utility role.

 "I needed to make some changes to the side that lost last week at Wembley and I have done that," Wane said.

“The beauty of having such a strong squad is that we are bringing some really talented players into the side ahead of this weekend’s game, but the fact remains we simply need to be better this time around.

“I want us to show the very best of us, play at the level I know we can and ultimately level this Ashes Series.

“We are heading to a sold-out Hill Dickinson Stadium at Everton and I have no doubt the English supporters will get behind the team and be that 18th man for us on Saturday afternoon.”