England's World Cup hopes hit by packed domestic schedule
ENGLAND will not play again until the 2026 World Cup due to the congested domestic calendar.
The recent Ashes whitewash at the hands of Australia has intensified scrutiny over England's lack of preparation time, with Shaun Wane's side denied a mid-season international this year.
Next season will be no different, leaving the national team without a warm-up match in a World Cup year.
England, who are in the process of reviewing Wane's position following the 3-0 defeat to the Kangaroos, face Tonga in Perth on October 17 before matches against France and Papua New Guinea.
RL Commercial managing director Rhodri Jones said: "There are no spare weekends in the calendar.
"There are, however, some weekends in Super League where there are no games on a Sunday.
"There are potential opportunities for squad gatherings from Sunday afternoons through to Monday mornings but in terms of actual fixtures, there is no space in the calendar."
Super League will release the full 2026 calendar for the expanded 14-team competition on Thursday.
Beyond the packed domestic schedule, which is set to remain at 27 rounds, Jones admitted the strength of opposition England could face was also a factor.
Asked whether England would be heading into the World Cup with one hand tied behind their back, he replied: "I wouldn't say that. It's up to Super League to deliver the intensity that gets the players ready for that international period.
"I think it's well debated about who we would play and whether it would be a competitive fixture. We've had games against France in the past and there was a lack of contest on the field.
"If the contest was there on the field, you would look to incorporate it – but the contest isn't there.
"It's a fully loaded domestic season that's not helped by coming back a week for the Grand Final. But it's a fantastic-looking domestic calendar and hopefully it puts the England players in the right shape for the World Cup."