England coach Brian McDermott announces his first England squad ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, expanding the group to 38 players. Multiple outlets report that the squad includes the recall of Jake Connor, who is described as the reigning “Man of Steel.” The selections also feature 10 uncapped players, adding new faces alongside established internationals. The reports frame the move as a performance-focused selection ahead of the tournament, with McDermott assembling a mix of experienced players and newcomers. While the sources agree on the size of the squad, the number of uncapped players, and Connor’s return, they do not provide detailed information in the excerpts about the specific uncapped names, the positional breakdown, or the selection criteria beyond the overall “performance squad” description. Collectively, the coverage indicates that McDermott’s initial squad announcement is aimed at building depth for the World Cup, highlighted by Connor’s inclusion and the introduction of several players who have not previously represented England at senior level.