England call up Ashton and Currie to face Tonga

Venue: John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield Date: Saturday, 28 October Kick-off: 14:30 BST

Coverage: Live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer; live text updates on the BBC Sport website and app

Matty Ashton and Ben Currie have been called into England’s 19-man squad for Saturday’s second Test against Tonga in Huddersfield.

His club-mate Currie replaces Morgan Knowles, who is also injured.

England won the first Test 22-18 in St Helens last Sunday, with the third at Headingley on 4 November.

“Last week was a real battle of attrition and we fought hard to come out on top, but we still have work to do to win this three-game series,” England head coach Shaun Wane said.

“We know that Tonga will be hurt, they’ll come out even stronger, and will be seeking revenge this weekend.”

Knowles was ruled out of the game on Tuesday with a thumb injury and Makinson is sidelined with a wrist issue, both picked up during the opening match.

England will be captained by St Helens full-back Jack Welsby while skipper George Williams serves the second of a two-game suspension before returning for the final Test.

England squad

Ashton, Bateman, Burgess, Clark, Currie, Farrell, Hill, Johnstone, King, Lees, Lewis, McMeeken, Mulhern, Newman, Radley, Smith, Walker, Welsby (capt), Whitehead