'He's shouting pick me' - has Lewis played way into England's Ashes team?

'He's Shouting Pick Me': Has Mikey Lewis Played His Way Into England's Ashes Team?

The dust has barely settled on a pulsating Super League Grand Final, and already the whispers are growing louder. Mikey Lewis, the dazzling half-back from Hull KR, has delivered a performance that has ignited a fervent debate: is he now a genuine contender for a starting spot in England's upcoming Ashes series squad?

Lewis was the undoubted star of the show at Old Trafford, even in a losing effort for his Robins side against a formidable Wigan Warriors outfit. His electric pace, inventive playmaking, and fearless attacking intent were on full display, leaving fans and pundits alike in awe. He scored a sensational solo try, weaving through the Wigan defence with a blend of speed and agility that has become his trademark. But it wasn't just the points; it was the sheer audacity and quality of his contributions that have put him firmly in the spotlight.

The question now is, can this scintillating club form translate onto the international stage? And more specifically, has he done enough to convince England coach Shaun Wane that he deserves a starting role against the formidable might of the Australian Kangaroos?

A Grand Final Performance for the Ages

It's easy to be swept up in the emotion of a Grand Final, but Lewis’s display transcended mere hype. He consistently threatened the Wigan line, creating opportunities where few seemed to exist. His try, a moment of individual brilliance, was a perfect encapsulation of his talent. He received the ball deep in his own half, spotted a gap, and simply out-ran the chasing defenders. It was a statement try, a declaration of intent that echoed around the Theatre of Dreams.

Beyond the spectacular, Lewis also showcased a maturity beyond his years. He marshalled his team effectively, made smart decisions under pressure, and never shied away from the big moments. Even as Wigan pressed their advantage, Lewis remained a constant threat, a beacon of defiance for Hull KR.

Speaking after the game, Lewis himself remained grounded but acknowledged the significance of the occasion. "It's a dream to play in a Grand Final, and I gave it absolutely everything," he said, his voice still hoarse from the intensity of the match. "We fell short, which is gutting, but I'm proud of the season we've had."

The Ashes Beckon: A Crowded Half-Back Landscape

England's half-back position has long been a subject of intense scrutiny and discussion. With the Ashes series looming, the competition for those coveted jerseys is fiercer than ever. Players like Harry Smith, Marc Sneyd, and George Williams are all established names with proven international credentials. Then there's the emerging talent, and that's precisely where Mikey Lewis now finds himself.

Shaun Wane has a reputation for rewarding form, and Lewis’s Grand Final showing has undoubtedly put him on the radar. His dynamism and unpredictability offer something different to the more established playmakers. In a series where England will need to find ways to break down the Australian defence, Lewis’s ability to conjure moments of magic could be invaluable.

One prominent voice in the debate is that of former Great Britain international Garry Schofield. "He's been brilliant all season, but that Grand Final performance… wow," Schofield commented on BBC Sport. "He's got that X-factor. He's not afraid to try things, and against Australia, you need players who can do that. He's shouting 'pick me' louder than anyone."

What Does Lewis Bring to the England Squad?

The key question for Wane will be how Lewis fits into his overall strategy. England’s strength often lies in its forward pack and solid defensive structures. However, to challenge the Kangaroos, they will need creativity and attacking flair in the spine. Lewis offers precisely that.

His speed is a significant asset. He can exploit tired defences and create tries from nothing. His vision and passing range are also developing rapidly, and he’s shown he can kick effectively when needed. Crucially, he plays with a fearless abandon that can unnerve opposition defences. This is exactly the kind of attitude England will need if they are to overcome the Australians on home soil.

However, there are also considerations. Lewis is still relatively young, and the pressure of an Ashes series is immense. Will he be able to handle the intensity and physicality of facing the world’s best? His defensive record, while improved, is an area that will be scrutinised against a potent Australian attack.

The Coach's Dilemma

Shaun Wane has a difficult but enviable selection headache. He has a wealth of talent to choose from, and the decisions he makes will be scrutinised intensely. Mikey Lewis has undeniably thrown his hat into the ring with a performance that will be talked about for a long time.

If Wane is looking for a player who can inject energy, unpredictability, and match-winning brilliance into his side, then Lewis is a compelling option. He has the potential to unlock defences and create try-scoring opportunities that others might not see. His journey from the Championship to a Grand Final star has been remarkable, and an England call-up would be the ultimate culmination of that rise.

The BBC Sport article highlights the growing sentiment: "Lewis's emergence has been one of the stories of the Super League season, with his performances for Hull KR prompting calls for him to be included in the England squad for the upcoming series against Australia." This sentiment is shared by many who watched him at Old Trafford.

Ultimately, the decision rests with Shaun Wane. But if Mikey Lewis’s Grand Final display is anything to go by, he has certainly made a powerful case. He’s not just hoping to be picked; he’s demanding to be considered. And in the high-stakes world of international rugby league, that kind of assertive brilliance is exactly what England might need.