Sean O'Loughlin to captain England this autumn

Sean O'Loughlin has been named England's new captain by head coach Steve McNamara.

The 31-year-old Wigan loose forward will lead the team during this autumn's Four Nations tournament, replacing previous skipper Kevin Sinfield, who announced his retirement from the international game five weeks ago.

McNamara confirmed O'Loughlin's role in his 24-man squad for the tournament, which will see England start their campaign against Samoa in Brisbane on October 25.

Tougher tests then lie ahead against Australia and New Zealand on November 2 and November 8 respectively.

O'Loughlin succeeded his brother-in-law Andy Farrell as Wigan captain in 2006 and follows in his footsteps by leading his country.

England squad: G Burgess, T Burgess (both South Sydney), J Burgess (Wigan), J Charnley (Wigan), D Clark (Castleford), M Cooper (St George Illawarra), L Farrell (Wigan), B Ferres (Huddersfield), J Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs), R Hall (Leeds), Z Hardaker (Leeds), C Hill (Warrington), J Hodgson (Hull KR), S O'Loughlin (Wigan), S Ratchford (Warrington), D Sarginson, (Wigan), M Shenton (Castleford), M Smith (Wigan), J Tomkins (Wigan), S Tomkins (NZ Warriors), K Watkins (Leeds), J Westerman (Hull), E Whitehead (Catalan Dragons), G Widdop (St George Illawarra)