GEORGE Williams is out of England's game against France on October 23.

The Warrington Wolves half-back will not be considered for the Test match in Perpignan because of a lingering shoulder injury.

It is currently unclear how serious the injury is and whether it will eat into his pre-season training with The Wire.

England coach Shaun Wane, who held his first training session on Tuesday, has also ruled out Wire hooker Daryl Clark and Huddersfield winger Jermaine McGillvary due to injury.

"It's been a tough year and the games have come thick and fast so I knew it was coming," Wane said.

"The players are smashed up – for Daryl Clark to play the last match with two fractured ribs and torn medial ligament in his knee shows the toughness of the players we have in our sport."

Wane remains confident in the strength of his squad and says the injuries will pave the way for several fringe players to get their chance.

"We trained this morning and we had 10 young kids from the England Knights in and they acquitted themselves really well," he added on Tuesday.

"With McGillvary missing, it's a chance for example for Liam Marshall to step up. It's exciting."

Wane, who is going part-time with England following his return to an off-the-field role with Wigan, confirmed that Catalans Dragons full-back Sam Tomkins will captain the side against France if he is fit.