Ex-Hull FC ace Marc Sneyd in line for shock England World Cup call-up

Marc Sneyd is in contention to be a shock England call up after being called up by Shaun Wane's training squad ahead of Friday’s World Cup squad announcement. As preparations for the World Cup begin, the Salford Red Devils' halfback, who was a key performer in their surprise run to the semi-finals, will link up with the England squad.

31-year-old Sneyd has been overlooked internationally throughout his career and has never been selected to represent England. He could be poised for a surprise success on the biggest stage, with Wane considering his selection before the tournament.

Preparations are well underway, with players from Wane’s train-on squad already training together. Players from Wigan and Salford, the two losing playoff semi-finalists, will be joining players from other clubs who have finished their season in previous weeks. In recent days, a number of NRL-based English players, such as the Newcastle Knights' Dom Young have been seen in the country.

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A spokesperson for the RFL said that no details about the squad's composition would be released before Friday's official announcement. Wane must make several critical decisions before naming his 24-man squad. Jonny Lomax, who has a ruptured bicep, has been playing the majority of the season in the halves. George Williams has struggled with form with Warrington. This, along with Sneyd’s outstanding debut season at AJ Bell Stadium has placed Sneyd in the running for selection.

Sneyd's kicking has been consistently among the best in the game. He won two Challenge Cups at Hull FC and became the second player to win back-toback Lance Todd trophy awards. This is in keeping with the footsteps of Paul Wellens, a St Helens legend who is part England's coaching staff. He enjoyed an impressive year at Salford, finishing the season as Super League’s top goal-kicker and scoring 15 assists and four goals. He was named man of match after his contribution to the Reds' win over Huddersfield Giants in the play-off.

He was not given the opportunity to represent England as he was ranked above the likes Gareth Widdop and Luke Gale. Wane will announce his final squad for Friday's tournament, but is already being forced into digging into the country’s depths. Josh Hodgson and Alex Walmsley are two key players who have been ruled out. Jake Trueman and Harry Newman are also not available. Lomax, Mark Percival, and Liam Farrell are all doubtful.

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