In his regular column for BBC Sport, England captain George Williams discusses the upcoming Autumn Ashes series and reflects on a recent squad gathering.
With just 100 days remaining, the England team is preparing for its first Ashes series against Australia since 2017.
This past Wednesday, Jack Welsby and I visited London, touring the city on a red bus and visiting landmarks for photos and filming.
Our goal is to generate excitement and encourage people to discuss and engage with the series.
As players, we aspire to participate in the most significant matches, and few rival the magnitude of the Ashes.
Despite the ongoing Super League season, competing against Australia at the end of the year represents the pinnacle.
Personally, I embrace press and promotional activities. I approach them with enthusiasm because I recognize they are fleeting, and retirement is inevitable.
Therefore, I relish the opportunity to engage with the media, promote the sport, and serve as England captain, a role I hold with immense pride.
England will face Australia at Wembley on 25 October, Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on 1 November, and AMT Headingley on 8 November – all matches will be broadcast live on BBC TV in the UK.
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The England squad recently convened at a hotel near Manchester for a meeting. I always value these opportunities to connect as a team. The presence of new faces, recognized for their strong performances, was encouraging.
It’s rewarding to welcome new members and reconnect with teammates from different clubs, whom I often only see during matches.
The primary objective of the meeting was for Shaun to communicate his expectations and highlight key areas. His delivery was characteristically direct and forthright.
Having played under Shaun for an extended period, both at Wigan and with England, I am accustomed to his approach. He often acknowledges that many of us have heard his message before, but he remains steadfast in his requirements.
He adheres to proven methods, which have been instrumental in his success.
The meeting included some candid assessments. While some players were aware of areas for improvement, it’s never easy to see specific examples, such as missed tackles or actions that undermine team values, presented in a group setting.
England head coach Shaun Wane is known for his honest feedback to players regarding expected standards.
It’s not personal criticism but rather a focus on the collective. He emphasizes what is unacceptable and makes it clear that continued shortcomings will jeopardize selection.
The standards are high. Representing England demands peak performance from every player, regardless of experience. Shaun is unwavering in his expectations, ensuring everyone understands what is required.
There’s no ambiguity. While his message may sometimes be difficult to hear, players always know where they stand.
I value this approach and have adopted it as a principle from my time playing under Shaun – always strive for higher standards.
Regarding the Australian team, there has been speculation about their direction following Mal Meninga’s departure. However, their performance in the State of Origin series demonstrated their capabilities.
I consistently watch Origin, which is a significant event in Australian rugby league. Many of those players will transition to the national team.
While I enjoy watching, it also serves as a form of preparation.
I’m confident they will find a suitable replacement for the coaching role. They have consistently been a top team, and we anticipate their best.
They are the top-ranked team, and we eagerly anticipate the challenge. Our objective is to win – unequivocally.
George Williams’ NRL stint was cut short when he left Canberra in 2021 to return to England for family reasons.
Currently, my agent is handling negotiations and logistical considerations regarding my future beyond 2025.
I have had respectful and transparent discussions with Warrington, ensuring that everything is conducted ethically and without any animosity.
I would be remiss not to consider a compelling opportunity from the Australian NRL, and I believe the club understands that. I have emphasized that my interest is not driven by dissatisfaction but by the desire to avoid potential regrets.
We will continue to have open and honest discussions to determine the best course of action.
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Warrington secures victory over Catalans with a late try
Warrington has now won three consecutive matches, improving our chances of finishing in the Super League’s top six.
The victory against Catalans in Perpignan was hard-fought, and the weather conditions were challenging. We were pleased to secure the win, despite the extreme heat earlier in the week followed by a severe storm on game day. It was far from ideal.
The conditions were hot and humid, and the ball was incredibly slippery. While our performance was not our best, I would rather win while playing poorly than lose despite a strong effort.
We’ve experienced a season of highs and lows, lacking consistency. However, we now have a significant opportunity to revitalize our season. Securing a spot in the top six means anything is possible.
A win against Castleford this weekend would make it four in a row. We must approach our work with enthusiasm and dedication. Dwelling on negativity will not be productive. We are determined to improve.