England captain Williams embraces underdog tag ahead of Perth World Cup opener
England captain George Williams said in Perth on Saturday that he and his side will embrace the underdog label ahead of their Rugby League World Cup opener against Tonga. Williams spoke after England were forced into a late change to their starting line-up, with Luke Thompson replacing Morgan Knowles following the withdrawal of Morgan Smithies through injury.
England arrive in Perth with recent competitive history against Tonga and previous World Cup experience informing their preparations: they defeated Tonga 3-0 in a home Test series three years ago and edged the Pacific Islanders in a dramatic World Cup semi-final in Auckland in 2017. Williams, 31, has been a member of England's previous two World Cup squads and was captain when England lost 3-0 in the Ashes in 2025. Head coach Brian McDermott, who was named England head coach in April on a deal through to the end of the World Cup, has made changes ahead of the opening match at HBF Park where humidity is expected to be above 60%.
Williams described Tonga as a strong challenge, saying: "Tonga are a stacked team. They have been for a few years now." He added: "We'll be underdogs but we'll quite like that kind of brush on our head and we'll bring our game tomorrow night against a great team." The captain also noted Tonga are "stacked full of world-class players who play across the NRL," and warned England knew "what we are in for, but we are fully prepared and ready."
Addressing the legacy of recent defeats, Williams said: "I don't think it hinders us. Some of the lads were talking about the last World Cup and it was probably one of the most difficult losses of my career to date." He acknowledged that the experience "does sit there" but argued it could "give you drive and motivation," and added: "Some youth, some heritage and some old lads like myself can all mingle together and get the job done."
On tactical developments under McDermott, Williams said the approach has changed and been well received by the squad: "It's definitely been different. I'm not going to tell you all the tricks and what we're up to and what we're talking about, but it has been different and it's been enjoyable." He also commented on the expected nature of Test matches this week: "Most Test matches start the same way, very physical, and that won't be changing at all this week for any game."
Tournament structure and England's route were outlined in the staging notes: with Australia and New Zealand expected to advance from Pool A, England are likely to contest the other two semi-final spots with Tonga, Samoa and Papua New Guinea from Pools B and C, which will be combined into one six-team table. The tournament runs 15 October - 15 November across Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand.
England's women's team begin their World Cup campaign immediately before the men's match in Perth, taking on Wales at 07:35 BST, with captain Jodie Cunningham named on the bench. Stuart Barrow's side beat Wales 62-0 in August 2025 and recorded an 82-0 win at Headingley in 2024; Cunningham said: "I've seen Paige Travis and Dani McGifford and my team-mates at St Helens. I know all their strengths and how fantastic they are," adding, "Hopefully we come out on top. The combinations are really starting to come together now, so we're just excited and we're all ready to go." Wales have added second rower Paige Travis, who has switched allegiances from England, and Canterbury Bulldogs half-back Tayla Preston.
England, ranked third in the world, will then take on reigning champions Australia and Samoa as they attempt to reach the last four for a fifth time.