Stuart Pearce spoke to England’s rugby league squad about their World Cup bid - but barely mentioned his own football heroics.
The legendary Three Lions star visited England’s training base in Wigan today as they stepped up their prep for glory. Shaun Wane’s side face minnows Greece at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane on Saturday when they expect to finish Group A with a 100 percent win record. Pearce, 60, knows all about big tournaments after going so close at Italia 90 and again at Euro 96.
Wane said: “He’s an impressive Englishman who’s very passionate. We’ve learned a lot from him. He presented to the group this morning and was really, really good.
"But he’s a very humble man. When we put his stats up, every time he played for England and what he’s done, he never mentioned that in his presentation.
“He’s very down to earth and one of the best (speakers) I’ve come across, no question. And he’s got a lot from us. He spoke very highly about our camp and how we went about our session compared to what he’s used to.”
Wane already has a close relationship with current England boss Gareth Southgate and has always been open to picking up tips from other sports. He added: "It’s really important and that’s why we’ve had other people coming in. I want the players to learn different ways of what will make them better at rugby league.
"Speaking to legends like Stuart is so important to us. I’ve been in touch with Gareth, too. I texted him this morning and invited him along later in the tournament.”
World Cup newcomers Greece are largely part-time and have conceded 106 points in their two games so far. Wane will rest captain Sam Tomkins and second-row Elliott Whitehead among others. He confirmed George Williams will skipper the side and Jack Welsby is likely to start at full-back. Wigan’s Kai Pearce-Paul will debut at centre in place of Kallum Watkins who failed an HIA in Saturday’s 36-18 win over France.
St Helens second-row Joe Batchelor also makes his bow and Wane said: “The side will be slightly different but the intent will be the same. We’ve 24 people in this squad and I need to see everyone in action. If we do make it to the important rounds, then I’ll be very, very ruthless with what (selections) will win us the game. And this match will go a long way to shaping my team for the quarter-final.”
