Mikey Lewis has declared that his place in England's Rugby League World Cup squad represents a reward for his dedication, despite having seen limited action in the tournament so far. According to Sky Sports, the 25-year-old was initially overlooked for England's opening fixtures but has since made a significant impact off the bench.
The Hull KR playmaker, who claimed the 2024 Man of Steel award, endured a difficult 2026 Super League season but earned his selection in Brian McDermott's World Cup squad. His breakthrough moment came when he was named on the bench for England's clash with France, emerging for the final 20 minutes to score two tries in a dominant 82-0 victory.
The way my year went wasn't really the best, I don't need anyone else to tell me,Lewis reflected on his inconsistent form.
I just had to put myself in the shop window. I have earned my spot.
Lewis was selected as one of England's three half-back options, alongside Harry Smith and captain George Williams, giving McDermott flexibility in his tactical approach. The 25-year-old has maintained his commitment to the international cause regardless of his playing time.
I'll always represent my country to the best of my ability. I was told to run with the ball, and I wanted to play with a smile on my face.he continued.
Last week the hard work was done, my job was to go and cause havoc - that was my instruction, and I did that.
Lewis has been named on the bench for Friday's crucial encounter against Papua New Guinea in Wollongong, a match England must win to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
I might get different instructions this week, but I'll do it, because I am proud to play for my country - 20 minutes is 20 minutes for England, I don't really care it's only 20 minutes.
Head coach McDermott praised Lewis's attitude in the camp, noting that the playmaker had demonstrated
humilityand had endured
a frustrating end to the season.Former England international Leon Pryce backed up McDermott's assessment, saying Lewis's two-try display against France showed why he was selected, praising his evasiveness and ability to play what he sees.
England's semi-final hopes hang in the balance
England's path to the knockout stages has become precarious following their 30-12 opening defeat to Tonga. The tournament's unusual format, which merges Groups B and C into a six-team table with only the top two advancing, has created a complex qualification scenario.
Samoa's dominant performances—a 78-4 victory over France and a 64-6 win against Papua New Guinea—have left them with a formidable +132 point difference. England's 82-0 thrashing of France improved their points difference to +64, but they remain 68 points behind Samoa heading into the final round of fixtures.
England currently sit on two points and must secure a convincing victory over Papua New Guinea on Friday, 30 October, at WIN Stadium in Wollongong, with kick-off listed as 8:05 p.m. AEDT. A win would take them to four points, level with both Samoa and Tonga, but their progression would then depend on external results.
According to BBC Sport, England need to beat Papua New Guinea, then rely on Tonga beating Samoa, and make up a 68-point points-difference gap to qualify. Tonga's match against Samoa is scheduled for Sunday, 1 November, with England's qualification hopes entirely dependent on Tonga winning that encounter.
The mathematics are unforgiving: a Samoa victory would guarantee England's elimination, while a Tonga win would see the points difference decide second spot. England do not necessarily need to beat Papua New Guinea by 68 points or more, but a victory by that margin would mean any loss for Samoa would be enough to progress. A smaller England win would require Samoa to lose by a bigger score, depending on England's final points difference.
Despite the daunting scenario, Lewis remains optimistic about England's prospects.
We just have to go out and do what we have planned,he said.
It will be a tough game, but we have the strike and desire.
According to BBC Sport, Lewis said England had the
firepower and determinationto beat Papua New Guinea and believed they still had a fighting chance of reaching the semi-finals.
We have a fighting chance, we believe in that. So, we just have to put the hard work in. It is a unique position, so just enjoy that.
