Ratchford and Harrison join England squad, Westwood and Atkins pull out (From Warrington Guardian)

Warrington Wolves' Stefan Ratchford and Ben Harrison join England squad, Ben Westwood and Ryan Atkins pull out

9:34am Monday 8th October 2012 in Wolves news

WOLVES' Stefan Ratchford and Ben Harrison have been added to the England squad for the Autumn International Series and will head off to South Africa this week for a training camp.

But clubmates Ben Westwood (knee and groin) and Ryan Atkins (shoulder) have pulled out due to injuries that require surgery.

Steve McNamara has had to make three changes in total, with Wigan's Liam Farrell also coming into the 24-man squad to replace injured South Sydney forward Sam Burgess.

The squad, which also includes Wolves' Adrian Morley, Richie Myler and Chris Hill, leave on Wednesday for a 10-day high-altitude camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa, before travelling back for the Autumn International Series that will hand them matches against France and Wales in continuing preparations for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

England’s opening match in the Autumn International Series will see them face Wales at the Glyndwr University Racecourse Ground in Wrexham on Saturday October 27 (2.30pm).

Their first ‘home’ fixture takes place a week later, Saturday November 3, at MS3 Craven Park in Hull when England host France in a match which also kicks off at 2.30pm.

The Autumn International Series concludes with the final at Salford City Stadium on Sunday November 11 (5.00pm).

Tickets for the 2012 Autumn International Series cost just £12 for adults and £6 concessions and can be purchased by calling the RFL Ticket Office on 0844 856 1113 or by visiting www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk