Lewis, who was named the 2024 Man of Steel, faced criticism following an inconsistent 2026 Super League campaign with Hull KR. His selection by head coach Brian McDermott was considered controversial by some, particularly after he was omitted from the matchday squad for England's opening 30-12 defeat to Tonga.

Speaking to the media from the team hotel on Wednesday, Lewis acknowledged his difficult year but remained focused on his international duties. "The way my year went wasn't really the best, I don't need anyone else to tell me," he said. "I just had to put myself in the shop window. I have earned my spot."

The playmaker made an impact during England's recent 82-0 victory over France, coming off the bench for the final 20 minutes to score two tries. He has again been named among the interchanges for the upcoming contest against Papua New Guinea.

England’s path to the semi-finals remains complex due to the tournament's unique format, which merges Groups B and C into a single table. With only the top two sides advancing, England currently sit on two points and require a significant victory to improve their points difference.

Samoa currently holds a substantial advantage in the standings with a +132 point difference, while England trails with +64. To progress, England must defeat Papua New Guinea and hope for a favourable result when Tonga faces Samoa on Sunday.

Head coach Brian McDermott has previously praised Lewis for his humility in camp, noting that the player endured a frustrating end to his club season. Despite his disciplinary issues, which included four yellow cards and a four-game ban in 2026, McDermott kept faith in the half-back.

Lewis has expressed contrition regarding his past disciplinary record, admitting that his actions negatively impacted his teammates. He is currently seeking external support to manage his on-field temperament as he looks to contribute to England’s campaign.

The player’s commitment to the national side was evident during his 2023 debut against Tonga, where he earned man-of-the-match honours in a 22-18 win. He maintains that he is ready to follow whatever instructions are provided by the coaching staff on Friday.

"I'll always represent my country to the best of my ability," Lewis added. "I was told to run with the ball, and I wanted to play with a smile on my face. I am proud to play for my country."

England’s preparations for the match in Wollongong are focused on maintaining their intensity. Lewis believes the squad possesses the necessary strike power and desire to overcome the challenge posed by Papua New Guinea.

"We just have to go out and do what we have planned," Lewis stated. "It will be a tough game, but we have the strike and desire. We have a fighting chance, we believe in that. So, we just have to put the hard work in."

The outcome of the match will determine if England remains in contention for the semi-finals. If Samoa wins their final fixture, England will be eliminated regardless of their own result, but a victory for Tonga could open the door for England based on points difference.

Lewis remains optimistic about the unique position the team finds itself in. He emphasised that regardless of the final outcome, he is prepared to give his best effort for the remaining time he has on the pitch.

As the squad finalises their tactical approach, the focus remains on securing a convincing win. Whether or not England progresses, Lewis is determined to make a meaningful contribution in what could be the team's final match of the tournament.

Despite convincing the coaching staff to include him as one of three specialist half-back options alongside captain George Williams and Wigan Warriors playmaker Harry Smith, Lewis has been named as a non-playing reserve. He joins Ben Currie and Ben Talty on the sidelines for Saturday morning's fixture at HBF Park in Perth.

McDermott explained that the tactical dynamic of the squad influenced the decision, noting that Lewis shares similar operational traits with captain Williams. The coach described the selection in that particular department as a straightforward choice given the specific game plan formulated for the tournament opener.

Addressing the media ahead of the fixture, McDermott expressed confidence that the player has handled the omission professionally. The coach praised the attitude of the playmaker and emphasised his value to the broader group dynamics as the campaign gets underway.

The way we are going to play, the way I envisage us being good suits Mikey's game, McDermott told a media conference. He's on board and knows his position. He has more than enough humility to add to the group in support.

With Lewis unavailable for selection in the starting lineup, Warrington stand-off Williams will partner Smith in the crucial half-back pairing. Both players carry significant domestic experience into the tournament opener against a notoriously physical Tongan outfit.

In another major selection talking point, McDermott opted for Gold Coast Titans star AJ Brimson at full-back ahead of Jack Welsby. Welsby had been widely anticipated to lock down the number one jersey but has instead been named among the interchange options.

McDermott acknowledged that the choice between the two contenders was extremely close before ultimately siding with Brimson. He highlighted the quality of the competition for places while describing Welsby as a fantastic international player.

The full-back decision reflects McDermott's willingness to utilise heritage players who qualify for the national team through familial connections. Brisbane-born Brimson made his international debut during last year's three-test Ashes series against Australia.

Max King is another heritage selection set to feature in the starting XIII as a prop forward. Born in Huddersfield while his Australian father David played in English club rugby league, King represents one of several fresh faces in the matchday side.

Wigan winger Zach Eckersley has also been selected to make his international debut, winning the nod ahead of Matty Ashton on the flanks. Eckersley's club teammate Sam Walters is likewise included in the starting lineup for the opening clash.

Sydney Roosters youngster Hugo Savala is in line to earn his first international cap after featuring in his club's recent NRL Grand Final triumph. Returning back-rower Victor Radley adds further Australian top-flight experience to the forward pack.

Brad O-Neill returns to the international fold to feature at hooker, earning his second cap after making his sole previous appearance against France in 2024. Morgan Knowles, Junior Nsemba, and Kai Pearce-Paul round out the remaining forward positions.

England enter the tournament under the leadership of McDermott, who succeeded Shaun Wane in the role earlier this year. The new coach has promised a more expansive and dynamic style of play designed to break the nation's historical tournament hoodoo.

England's past record in the World Cup includes finishing as tournament runners-up on three previous occasions in 1975, 1995, and 2017. The side will be eager to improve upon their disappointing exit in the semi-finals of the previous tournament.

The fixture against Tonga carries immense significance under the tournament's new and demanding format. Ten teams are competing across a revised structure featuring a combined group pool where only four semi-final places are available.

England have been drawn into a combined Group B and C pool alongside Tonga, France, and Papua New Guinea. Because the traditional quarter-final stage has been removed, a defeat in the opening fixture could prove catastrophic for qualification hopes.

McDermott's squad will therefore need to negotiate a notoriously formidable Tongan side that caused substantial problems during their tour of England in 2024. The coach has demanded immediate intensity from his players to counter the opposition's renowned physical presence.

We have to take them on and meet fire with fire, McDermott stated regarding the physical challenge. But we don't stay doing that for 80 minutes. We have to remain clever, while dealing with their physicality.

Following Saturday's opening fixture against Tonga, England will remain in Perth to face France on 24 October. They will then travel to Wollongong to complete their group commitments against Papua New Guinea on 30 October.