Gardner and McGuire omitted

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

St Helens winger Gardner and Leeds stand-off McGuire were both expected to return for the clash at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium after being rested for last Saturday's final pool match against the Kiwis in Newcastle.

But they were conspicuous by their absence when England met the World Cup obligations by naming a 19-man squad on Wednesday.

Smith, who has shown signs of being under pressure after three disappointing performances by his team, was unavailable for comment while media manager Andrew Whitelam said the management were still monitoring certain players and the squad could change before Saturday.

The England players were enjoying a day off on Wednesday and no media access was available. Apart from Gardner and McGuire, the players left out of the official squad were St Helens prop Maurie Fa'asavalu, who has a broken hand, and Bradford duo Paul Sykes and Paul Langley.

England are thought to have lingering injury doubts over full-back Paul Wellens and stand-off Leon Pryce, which could significantly affect Smith's plans.

If Wellens fails to recover from ankle ligament damage, Lee Smith would switch from wing to full-back and Gardner would take on the job of marking Manu Vatuvei, the four-try hero of the Kiwis' 36-24 win over England last Saturday.

If Pryce is still troubled by a rib injury, McGuire would be his natural replacement, especially after outplaying him in the Super League Grand Final.

Meanwhile, England have lost their bid to have a northern hemisphere referee in charge of Saturday's match, with Australian Shayne Hayne, who refereed England's opening pool match against Papua New Guinea, given the job.

It means England will have had Australian referees in charge of all four of their matches in the tournament so far, with Tony Archer controlling their games against Australia and New Zealand.