McGuire misses France encounter

The pair suffered knee injuries in the Rhinos' Super League defeat of Wakefield last Friday and had been rated 50-50 for the Gillette Fusion international at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday.

As expected, England have also confirmed scrum-half Kyle Eastmond will not feature due to the ankle problem which St Helens say will keep him out for a month.

Huddersfield duo Kevin Brown and Shaun Lunt, who had been added to the squad as cover for the injuries, will now stay as full members of coach Steve McNamara's group.

The absence of McGuire and Eastmond means England are now without three of the four half-backs who featured in last autumn's Four Nations series, Richie Myler being the other. Sam Tomkins is the one to remain.

McNamara, who will now select from a squad of 19, said: "It's unfortunate for Danny and Kyle that they have injuries which will keep them out for no more than a week but their misfortune is good fortune for two other players who I'm looking forward to working with.

"I'm very disappointed for both Danny and Kyle but we move on.

"Kevin Brown and Shaun Lunt will now stay with us – they've been great additions to the group and this is a chance for them to stay with us for a longer period and, quite possibly, play. They were unfortunate to miss out in the first place and their form over a period of time has been good enough for them to be considered for selection."

Brown has been in particularly good form this season and has a strong chance of taking over from McGuire at stand-off to win his first cap. The 25-year-old played alongside Joel Tomkins – also poised to make his first international appearance – at former club Wigan.

Lunt could share hooking duties with St Helens' James Roby who, despite having to undergo a mandatory head test this week after a concussion, is confident of being fit.

Sinfield's presence guarantees England the services of a regular Super League goalkicker.