Uncontracted Williams in England squad for All Stars match

Uncontracted former Canberra halfback George Williams has been rushed into the England squad to prepare for next weekend’s match against a Combined Nations All Stars team in Warrington.

Williams, who has returned home this week after finalising a release from the Raiders, has not played since May 22 and England coach Shaun Wane said his inclusion in the final squad was subject to fitness.

The English halfback has been linked with Warrington – possibly in a swap for former St George Illawarra captain Gareth Widdop, who remains keen to move closer to his family in Wollongong.

Widdop, who has attracted interest from the Raiders and Warriors, was last week added to England's World Cup training squad.

However, he has not been named in the 24-man England squad to prepare for the June 25 match against the Combined Nations All Stars.

The All Stars team will be captained by Wests Tigers recruit Jackson Hastings and coached by Tim Sheens, who is returning to the Concord-based club as head of football performance after the match.

No NRL-based players were considered for the match, which serves as a World Cup warm-up fixture for England.

"We have a good blend of youth, versatility and experience, and I have every confidence in whoever makes the final cut," Wane said.

"I watch every Betfred Super League game, every week, at least once, and all of these players have earned the right to play for England."

England squad: John Bateman (Wigan Warriors), Daryl Clark, Mike Cooper, Ben Currie (all Warrington Wolves), Tom Davies (Catalans Dragons), Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors), Luke Gale, Ash Handley (both Leeds Rhinos), Toby King (Warrington Wolves), Morgan Knowles (St Helens), Reece Lyne (Wakefield Trinity), Jonny Lomax (St Helens), Paul McShane (Castleford Tigers), Tommy Makinson (St Helens), Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield Giants), Mikolaj Oledzki (Leeds Rhinos), Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford (both Warrington Wolves), Dan Sarginson (Salford Red Devils), Sam Tomkins (Catalans Dragons), Alex Walmsley (St Helens), Jake Wardle (Huddersfield Giants), Joe Westerman (Wakefield Trinity), George Williams (uncontracted).