England coach Wayne Bennett has left Man of Steel Danny Houghton out of his Four Nations as reported by The81stMinute yesterday.

Bennett has named a strong outfit that includes NRL stars Sam Burgess, James Graham and Josh Hodgson.

“There’s been a lot of competition for places this year and the players that have been picked are the ones we believe will stand up to the test of the competing nations,” Bennett said.

“I’ve always said that there wouldn’t be too many changes when I arrived and there are plenty of guys in the squad who worked hard in last year’s International Series win against New Zealand who have gone on and performed in 2016.

“To have Sam Burgess back is not just a boost for England but one for the international game. Having worked with him in the past, he’s a great bloke to have around and have by your shoulder on the field.

“Injuries are part and parcel of the game and to lose players like O’Loughlin, Tomkins and Currie isn’t ideal but it does offer opportunities to others who have performed in the year and it’s good to see some new and returning faces in the squad.

“There’s some serious talent in this English side and that’s testament to the England programme, the clubs they play for and the player’s attitude in wanting to do their best each week. I’ve spoken to the boys and they’re well aware what’s ahead of them in this tournament.”

England’s Four Nations squad: John Bateman (Wigan), Kevin Brown (Widnes), George Burgess (South Sydney), Sam Burgess, (Souths), Thomas Burgess (Souths), Daryl Clark (Warrington), Mike Cooper (St George Illawarra), Liam Farrell (Wigan), Brett Ferres (Leeds), Luke Gale (Castleford), James Graham (Canterbury), Ryan Hall (Leeds), Chris Hill (Warrington), Josh Hodgson (Canberra), Jonny Lomax (St Helens), Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield), Mark Percival (St Helens), Stefan Ratchford (Warrington), Dan Sarginson (Wigan/Gold Coast), Scott Taylor (Hull FC), Kallum Watkins (Leeds), Elliot Whitehead (Canberra), Gareth Widdop (St George Illawarra), George Williams (Wigan).