WANE'S SIMPLE MESSAGE TO ASHES HOPEFULS
By DOUG THOMSON
COACH Shaun Wane has urged wannabe England players to raise their performance levels between now and the end of the season as he plots a first Ashes triumph since 1970.
The world champions are heading to the UK this autumn - and the national team chief sees the three-match series, including clashes at Wembley and Everton Football Club's sparkling new stadium, as a great way of spreading the Rugby League word.
The hugely-experienced 60-year-old has been at the helm since February 2020, and after the logistical challenges posed by the pandemic and the agony of golden-point defeat by Samoa in the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, led his charges to series successes against Tonga in 2023 and Samoa last year.