Brian McDermott, recently appointed as the head coach of the England rugby team, has affirmed that Jake Connor, the reigning Super League Man of Steel, will play a crucial role in their upcoming World Cup campaign in Australia. McDermott criticized the previous coach, Shaun Wane, for his treatment of Connor, who was notably omitted from the squad despite his accolades. McDermott described the rhetoric surrounding Connor as 'tremendously unfair,' highlighting the player's exceptional skills and game-changing abilities. With England having suffered a 3-0 defeat in the Ashes series, expectations for the World Cup are low. However, McDermott remains optimistic, stating that with the right preparation and connection among players, England has a chance to compete effectively. He emphasized the need for a specific plan tailored to UK-based players to bridge the gap and achieve success in the tournament.