England Knights head coach Kieron Purtill has named a 19-man squad to take on France in their first ever competitive game this Saturday at Leigh Sports Village (3.00pm).

The Knights face France in the first of a two game autumn series which will see them travel to Whitehaven to face Cumbria next weekend and Purtill has shown his intentions by naming a strong line-up for tomorrow’s fixture.

Hull FC’s Joe Westerman has been awarded the team captaincy with Warrington half-back Richie Myler instated as vice-captain. Myler has been joined in the 19-man squad by four other Wolves payers including second row Ben Westwood, who comes into the Knights squad as part of Steve McNamara’s senior team plans.

Salford City Reds have a trio of representatives in the back positions, with Stefan Ratchford, Jodie Broughton and Matty Smith taking up the respective full-back, wing and scrumhalf roles while Wigan Warriors also have a trio of players selected in the form of Josh Charnley, Lee Mossop and Liam Farrell.

Danny Haughton joins captain Westerman as the second Hull FC representative while arch rivals Hull KR also have two players selected in the form of Kris Welham and Liam Watts. Harlequins, Leeds Rhinos, St Helens and Castleford Tigers all have one player each selected in the 19-man squad.

England Knights 19-man Squad to face France: 1, Stefan Ratchford (Salford City Reds, Wigan St Pats).

2, Josh Charnley (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Pats).

3, Joe Arundel (Castleford Tigers, Castleford Panthers).

4, Kris Welham (Hull KR, Myton Warriors).

5, Jodie Broughton (Salford City Reds, Queens).

6, Richie Myler (Warrington Wolves, Halton West Bank).

7, Matty Smith (Salford City Reds, Blackbrook).

8, Ben Harrison (Warrington Wolves, Barrow Island).

9, Danny Houghton (Hull FC, East Hull).

10, Lee Mossop (Wigan Warriors, Hensingham).

11, Joe Westerman (C) (Hull FC, Featherstone Lions).

12, Ben Westwood (Warrington Wolves, Normanton).

13, Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Pats).

14, Luke Gale (Harlequins RL, Middleton Marauders).

15, Paul Clough (St Helens, Blackbrook).

16, Mike Cooper (Warrington Wolves, Latchford Albion).

17, Liam Watts (Hull KR, Featherstone Lions).

18, Chris Riley (Warrington Wolves, Woolston Rovers).

19, Chris Clarkson (Leeds Rhinos, East Leeds).

Tickets for the England Knights v France international fixture at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday, October 15, cost just £3 adult and £2 concession and can be purchased at the turnstiles on the day.