England will look to level the ABK Beer Ashes Series on Saturday, as the Second Test takes place at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool (K.O. 2:30pm).
Test Two will be played out in front of a full house, with over 50,000 fans expected on the banks of the Mersey this weekend.
It’s a chance for England to rescue the series against Australia – something which they haven’t won since 1970.
Shaun Wane’s side will be hoping to right their wrongs from the opening test at Wembley Stadium last Saturday, where they fell to a disappointing 6-26 defeat.
A tight affair unfolded in the first forty, with England initially matching their opposition in the physicality department.
The Kangaroos would prove too strong in the end, however, with individual bits of brilliance from a showstopping Reece Walsh and Angus Crichton, which helped secure Australia a win in the opening test match.
But despite the loss, there were a crop of England players who impressed with Herbie Farnworth, Tom Johnstone and Dom Young all surpassing 100 metres on the hallowed turf and making 17 tackle busts combined.
In defence, John Bateman and Morgan Knowles completed over 40 tackles, with Kai Pearce-Paul and Matty Lees making 35 tackles each.
A monumental effort will be required if they are to overcome Kevin Walters’ Kangaroos on Saturday, with England needing the fans’ support now more than ever as the Ashes heads up North.
And the players will be confident of putting on an improved performance as they rally and regroup in camp this week. Wane has also made multiple changes to the team he selected for Wembley (see below).
Excitement is building for Everton, with Hill Dickinson Stadium a new state-of-the-art development on Liverpool’s waterfront.
This will be the first Rugby League game, as well as the first ever non-football event, to be played inside the stadium – will it be one to remember?
The last time international Rugby League action hit Liverpool came back in 2018, where England beat New Zealand 20-14 at Anfield Stadium.
Tommy Makinson scored a hat-trick as England sealed the three-match series against the Kiwis.
Will England have more enjoyment in this city in 2025? A win for England on Saturday would set up an epic series decider at AMT Headingley in Leeds the following weekend...
It’s currently advantage Australia in the ABK Beer Ashes, but for how long?
And will you be bringing the noise in Saturday's sell-out crowd?
Expect passion, power, and plenty of drama as England aim to equalise the series!
The game will be available to watch live on BBC One from 230pm with build-up from 2pm.
Everton Teams:
England: AJ Brimson, Daryl Clark, Herbie Farnworth, Tom Johnstone, Morgan Knowles, Matty Lees, Mikey Lewis, Jez Litten, Mike McMeeken, Mikolaj Oledzki, Kai Pearce-Paul, Harry Smith, Morgan Smithies, Owen Trout, Alex Walmsley, Jake Wardle, Kallum Watkins, George Williams, Dom Young
Australia: 1. Reece Walsh, 2. Mark Nawaqanitawase, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Gehamat Shibasaki, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Nathan Cleary, 8. Lindsay Collins, 9. Harry Grant (c), 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Angus Crichton, 12. Hudson Young, 13. Patrick Carrigan, 14. Tom Dearden, 15. Lindsay Smith, 16. Reuben Cotter, 17. Keaon Koloamatangi, 18. Bradman Best, 19. Jacob Preston, 20. Mitchell Moses
The ABK Beer Ashes Series continues on Saturday 1 November as the Second Test heads to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool (K.O. 2:30pm).
It’s a complete sell-out, and Shaun Wane’s men need you now more than ever as England look to level the series!
The match will also be available to watch live on BBC One, with information on overseas coverage available here.
