McNamara names his first England squad

The 21-year-old Halifax-born Widdop, who emigrated with his family to Australia when he was 16, was one of three uncapped players named in McNamara's first selection for the game at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday, June 12.

Widdop, who worked his way through Melbourne's academy and Under-20s team to make his first-team debut this season, has confirmed his desire to represent his home country despite also being eligible to play for Australia.

He has been preferred to Hull KR full-back Shaun Briscoe, one of three players dropped from England's Four Nations final team.

Hull KR winger Peter Fox and Huddersfield prop Eorl Crabtree are the others left out, along with St Helens back rower Jon Wilkin, who is injured.

Their places go to Hull winger Tom Briscoe, who earns a recall, Bradford front rower Nick Scruton and Wigan second rower Joel Tomkins, who are both expected to win their first caps.

The 19-man England squad for the Gillette Fusion international against France at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday, June 12, is: C Bridge (Warrington), T Briscoe (Hull), S Burgess (South Sydney), K Eastmond (St Helens), G Ellis (Wests Tigers), J Graham (St Helens), R Hall (Leeds), S O'Loughlin (Wigan), D McGuire (Leeds), A Morley (Warrington), J Peacock (Leeds), J Roby (St Helens), N Scruton (Bradford), M Shenton (Castleford), K Sinfield (Leeds), J Tomkins (Wigan), S Tomkins (Wigan), B Westwood (Warrington), G Widdop (Melbourne).