Is it possible to bring Crabtree into the England squad or not? Regardless of whether he would or not

Spot-on, both in team changes and attitude.

Surely better to keep everyone with a semblance of match fitness throughout the competition at all times. If someone, say Briscoe, doesn't play in the groups, then Ryan Hall gets injured before the final and he has to come in, he wont have played for over 2 months. Better to rotate IMO.

Bottom line is SM isn't going to change Sinfield + Chase.

If he plans on using them in the QFs and beyond he should play them in the next two games and make a call on Widdop either way. He's wasted from the bench, much rather have Burrow or McIlorm on the bench.

Sticking with the same half backs at least will allow them hopefully to get some confidence and create chances for the backline, which also shouldn't be changed.

Hill
Roby
G Burgess
Ferres
Farrell/Ablett
Westwood

McIllorm
T Burgess
Graham
Ablett/Farrell

IMO we can't be messing about with combinations. Strongest team always, unless injury or fitness is an issue.

Fijians will really try to give it to us in Hull as well - we'll need a strong, steely pack to put up with them.

Bit of catch 22 situation this. Do you play the same team for the (hoped for) continuity you don’t get from players from different teams or do you keep the match fitness up

Personally I would keep the play makers together and that means the 1, 6, 7, 9 spine you want to link together. We don’t have the centres to switch too much

Rotating the forwards and potentially the wingers is an option

Personally, I would take the benefit of the increased continuity of the whole team over the risk of a player coming into the team later with a little less match fitness

didnt stop people wanting him out after the Italy game. Quality player is cudjoe and will only get better.