Ex-York Knights star Mikey Lewis in England squad for final Samoa test

The sides will battle it out in a double header with England’s women, who will face Wales, at Headingley.

Shaun Wane has made two changes to his squad, welcoming Wigan Warriors pair Liam Marshall and Luke Thompson back into the fray. 

Thompson is poised to win an eighth cap after returning from suspension, whilst Super League top-scorer Marhshall could make his full international debut after replacing injured winger Dom Young.

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England claimed a 34-18 victory in the first test at Wigan’s Brick Community Stadium last Sunday.

The Samoans, who have been based in York during their stay in the country, were their own worst enemies as ill-discipline paved the way for Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth and Matty Ashton to add early points to the board.

England skipper George Williams then crashed over, but the visitors had the last word of the opening half, Deine Mariner picking off a loose Daryl Clark pass and racing clear.

Lewis was among England's scorers in last weekend's first test against Samoa. (Image: PA) Samoa were much improved after the break, but their defensive resolve was broken again when Victor Radley collected Farnworth’s sublime offload to score.

Ben Gardiner’s side though did show glimpses of their quality, not least when a flowing team move orchestrated by captain Jarome Luai set up Mariner to score his second.

Lewis was introduced in an unfamiliar role at hooker late on, making a near immediate impact after finishing off Young’s right-wing break, before Ashton’s second put the result beyond doubt.

Samoa did finish with a late flourish, sending Chan Kum Tong across before a melee erupted, setting up another mouth-watering clash this weekend.

Wane explained of his team selection: “I’ve had to make a few changes to my 19 following on from last weekend’s victory and that is why having a strong squad is so important. I’m confident with the lads I have had to bring in.

“Our goal was always to win this series 2-0 and we have put ourselves in the position to achieve that on Saturday. We know Samoa will be better – but so will we.

“We’re all looking forward to getting back to Headingley, where we had great support when we completed a 3-0 series win against Tonga last year.”

England squad to face Samoa: Matty Ashton, John Bateman, Daryl Clark, Ben Currie, Ethan Havard, Herbie Farnworth, Kai Pearce-Paul, Morgan Knowles, Matty Lees, Mikey Lewis, Liam Marshall. Mike McMeeken, Harry Newman, Junior Nsemba. Victor Radley, Harry Smith, Luke Thompson, Jack Welsby, George Williams.