SAINTS prop Luke Thompson will finally get his first England cap tonight at Leigh in the game against France (7.45pm).

Thompson travelled to Denver in the summer with Wayne Bennett's squad ­— but ended up being 18th man in the clash against the Kiwis.

Tonight he dons the England shirt for the first time, where he will stake his claim for a place in the test series against New Zealand.

Thompson will be guided by former Saints skipper James Graham, who will be winning his 41st cap.

Graham said: "Luke was unfortunate not to play in Denver, but that is sport.

"I am really looking forward to how he takes in the game.

"I am really looking forward to playing alongside him. He is up there among the best front rowers in the world as far as I am concerned and looking forward to taking the field with him."

Saints also have centre Mark Percival in action for England, with Tommy Makinson and Jonny Lomax sitting this out with knocks.

Theo Fages will line up for France.

England Squad: James Shaul (Hull FC)

Tom Johnstone (Wakefield Trinity

Reece Lyne (Wakefield Trinity)

Mark Percival (St Helens)

Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield Giants)

Richie Myler (Leeds Rhinos)

Jake Connor (Hull FC)

James Graham (St. George Illawarra Dragons)

Josh Hodgson (Canberra Raiders)

Tom Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Oliver Holmes (Castleford Tigers)

Elliott Whitehead (Canberra Raiders)

George Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Adam Milner (Castleford Tigers)

Luke Thompson (St Helens)

Robbie Mulhern (Hull KR)

Liam Sutcliffe (Leeds Rhinos)