Joe Burgess set to end decade-long England wait after squad changes made

Joe Burgess Set to End England Wait After Squad Changes

England has announced their 19-man squad for the third and final Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley on Saturday, featuring two changes from the team that lost 14-4 in the second Test.

Squad Announcement and Context

Head coach Shaun Wane revealed the squad for the concluding Ashes Test at a sold-out Headingley. After defeats of 26-6 and 14-4 in the first two Tests at Wembley and Hill Dickinson Stadium, England trails 2-0 in the series and cannot win the overall contest.

England's Motivation and Australia's Approach

Playing at home in Leeds this weekend, England will compete purely for pride, aiming to avoid a 3-0 series whitewash. Contrary to earlier suggestions from Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters, Australia will field a full-strength team in pursuit of that clean sweep.

Changes in England's Squad

If both Burgess and Newman play, all 24 England players named this autumn will have featured across the three Tests.

England's head coach Shaun Wane said: "These changes give us fresh options for the final Test as we look to finish strongly on home soil."

These two changes are direct substitutions, with Burgess and Newman stepping in for their respective positions.

Author's Summary

Joe Burgess’s inclusion signals England’s intent to finish the Ashes series with renewed strength despite being unable to win overall, as they fight to avoid a whitewash at home.

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Hull Live Hull Live — 2025-11-06

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