England vs Wales Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup | Pool Stage

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England are overwhelming favourites heading into their opening pool game vs Wales and it’s a must-win for both teams was Australia lurking in the same pool.

Start date/time: 17 October 2026 at 7:35 am

How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / USA – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / USA – Premier Player

Tickets: Visit this link to access the latest 2026 Rugby League World Cup tickets

England team news: Trio of debutants

Connie Boyd, Hope Millard and Jasmin Strange are set to make their England debuts at this World Cup. Boyd was named the Young Player of the Year in this year’s Women’s Super League, whilst Strange was an NRLW grand final winner.

Squad: Fran Goldthorp, Anna Davies, Georgia Wilson, Connie Boyd, Amelia Brown, Isabel Rowe, Georgia Roche, Mary Coleman, Keara Bennett, Hollie-Mae Dodd, Jasmin Strange, Eva Hunter, Megan Williams, Jodie Cunningham, Vicky Whitfield, Jenna Foubister, Hope Millard, Liv Wood, Ruby Bruce, Lucy Murray

Wales team news: Travis jumping ship

Wales will be able to call upon former England international Paige Travis, whose heritage allows her to be selected in the squad. Tom Brindle has also named Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs captain Tayla Preston.

Squad: Leanne Burnell, Dani McGifford, Hannah Bluck, Zoe Heeley, Frances Layton, Ffion Lewis, Tayla Preston, Agnes Wood, Jasmine Gibbons, Emily Hughes, Georgia Cussons, Paige Travis, Bethan Dainton, Carys Marsh, Kathryn Salter, Katie Carr, Erin Williams, Jade Mullen, Gracie Hobbs, Amberley Ruck, Hollie Brussels

England vs Wales prediction

England have been dealt a first pool game that on paper, they are in pole position to win. With Australia and Samoa also in the same pool, this is a big one for Stuart Barrow’s side and victory is absolutely essential. Led by the experienced Jodie Cunningham, England know they are firm underdogs when it comes to potentially winning this tournament, but they are well ahead of Wales and should prove that in this game.

Set to make her World Cup debut, Amelia Brown is a player that could lead England to the knockout stage with her relentless scoring record. The 22-year-old was the leading try-scorer in Super League this year and has racked up 31 tries in all competitions across 2026 so far. Brown boasts a hat-trick against Wales in her England debut a couple of years back and it well worth backing to add on at least a couple more on this occasion.

England vs Wales tip: England to win and Amelia Brown to score two or more tries