Wigan Warriors star Luke Thompson eyes World Cup spot with England ambition made clear

Wigan Warriors powerhouse Luke Thompson wants his form at club level to do the talking as he looks to earn an England recall for this autumn’s Rugby League World Cup.

The experienced Wigan prop was named in Brian McDermott’s 40-man performance squad in June and has since had chats with the new England head coach as he looks to play his way into the final squad.

Thompson has 12 international caps to his name for Great Britain and England and was part of Shaun Wane’s England squad for the last World Cup in 2022.

The 31-year-old missed out on selection for last year’s Ashes series against Australia but has enjoyed an impressive campaign with Wigan this year, having stayed relatively injury-free.

With England’s final World Cup squad expected to be cut to around 24 players this autumn, Thompson knows his performances for the Warriors will be crucial to his hopes of making the trip Down Under later this year.

“Yeah, I’ve had a couple of chats once I got selected in the train-on squad, so I’ve been in a couple of those chats,” said Thompson.

McDermott has openly spoken about wanting England to have a point of difference in their approach at the World Cup, with Thompson and the rest of the players having already discussed those plans with the former Leeds Rhinos boss.

“Yeah, I’ve spoken with Brian,” Thompson continued. “He’s explained the way he wants to play, and he wants to have a bit of a different game plan, so if I get the opportunity to go and represent my country, it’s one I’ll be excited to be a part of.”

Thompson has been impressed by McDermott so far, with the latter’s coaching CV including success with Leeds as well as experience in the NRL with Newcastle Knights and Gold Coast Titans as an assistant.

“He is a great coach - he’s been there and done it,” said Thompson.

“He had a great squad over at Leeds, and now he’s got some experience in the NRL, coaching over there at Newcastle and Gold Coast, so if I had the privilege of working with him, it would be exciting.”

The immediate focus for Thompson is continuing to perform for Wigan, with the Warriors challenging at the top end of the Super League table with two rounds left of the regular campaign.

He knows strong club form will give him the best chance of earning an England recall.

“Yeah definitely, that’s how it works, isn’t it?” he added.

“You’ve got to have your form right at club level and do what’s best for your team, and I suppose if you’re playing well enough and your team is going well, then it gives you a good shot, doesn’t it?”

Thompson has been a regular presence through the middle for Matt Peet’s Wigan side this season after dealing with a couple of niggling injuries last year.

He has missed just two games so far in 2026 and believes consistency and staying fit have been important factors in his campaign.

“I’m quite happy with where I’m at,” Thompson reflected.

“I feel like I’ve been quite consistent throughout (the year) - I think I’ve only missed two games - so I’ve just been trying to keep myself fit and keep out there every week.

“Sometimes it is hard to do with a bit of bad luck in this game, but touch wood, I can stay fit now, and there aren’t many games to go.”

England begin their World Cup campaign against Tonga in Perth on October 17.