Shaun Wane has been given the chance to rebuild England's Rugby League World Cup side after being given a contract extension as head coach through to the end of the 2025 tournament.

England suffered a deflating golden-point defeat to Samoa on home soil in their semi-final at the Emirates Stadium in November.

It left left the 58-year-old, who took over the role in February 2020, facing an uncertain future.

But after winning the backing of a series of major names, including captain Sam Tomkins and winger Tommy Makinson, Wane has been given the task of forming a squad capable of overturning southern hemisphere dominance in France in October 2025.

Australia won the trophy in Manchester, beating Samoa 30-10 in the final after edging a tight semi-final against New Zealand, 16-14.

The reaction of a number of key England players is understood to have played a big part in the decision to extend Wane's contract.

Tomkins, the Catalans Dragons fullback, called him the "obvious" choice, while Makinson described Wane as "a world-class coach and a world-class person".

Wane will take charge of England against France in Warrington next month, but officials are still trying to confirm an autumn international series, possibly with either Tonga or Samoa, following New Zealand's decision to withdraw from the projected Tests.