England v Samoa predictions and rugby league tips: Hosts to claim early bragging rights

Where to watch England v Samoa

BBC Two, 2.30pm Sunday

Best bet

England to win by one to 12 points
2pts 13-8 bet365

England v Samoa predictions

England have revenge on their mind as they prepare to lay down a marker in Sunday's International Test against Samoa in Wigan.

Shaun Wane's men were beaten 27-26 by Samoa in the World Cup semi-finals in 2022, weeks after they beat them 60-6 in the group stage.

Samoa will be captained by NRL star Jarome Luai this weekend in the first of two Tests, but Stephen Crichton, who scored the winning drop goal in 2022, and Junior Paulo have not travelled with the squad.

England certainly have the extra motivation after their World Cup disappointment and they should make it six wins in a row with Wane able to choose from a fully-fit squad.

However, they are unlikely to outclass a Samoa side who have players of the calibre of Luai, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, and Terrell May in their ranks. Samoa will have their moments, but England look to have matured since their heartbreaking defeat in 2022 and they can record a close-fought win in Wigan.

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