ENGLAND coach Shaun Wane is expecting Wigan forward John Bateman to be revitalised by his appointment as captain for Saturday's Test match against France in Perpignan.

The 28-year-old former Bradford Bulls back rower experienced a below-par season in 2021 following his return from a successful spell in the NRL with Canberra Raiders but Wane is hoping the captaincy will help him rediscover his old form.

Bradford native Bateman got the nod ahead of St Helens stand-off Jonny Lomax as the replacement for Catalans Dragons full-back Sam Tomkins, who led England for the first time in the mid-season game against the Combined Nations All Stars but is sidelined with a knee injury.

"Jonny was in my thoughts but he's a half and he's a lot to think about," Wane told the PA news agency. "He doesn't want me adding more pressure on top of what I've already asked him to do."

Bateman was seen as captaincy material back in 2012 when he led an England academy squad on a tour to Australia that included current full internationals Ben Currie, George Williams, Mark Percival and Luke Thompson.

Twelve months later he was signed by then Wigan coach Wane from Bradford and two years later won his first England cap, impressing on debut in an 84-4 rout of France at Leigh.

"I have a lot of history with John and we trust each other," Wane said. "He's a really good leader.

"His form for Wigan has not been to his standard - or my standard - and he needs to re-discover that form that made him one of the best back rowers in the game before he went to Australia.

"I'm hoping this will bring the best out on him come Saturday."