James Graham will not feature in England's 2021 Rugby League World Cup campaign after confirming his international retirement.

The St Helens forward, who returned to the club this season after spells with Canterbury Bulldogs and St George Illawarra Dragons in NRL, started in the front row in the final of the 2017 tournament, which England lost 6-0 to Australia.

Graham won a combined 53 caps for England and Great Britain and was captain for the former's Test series win over New Zealand in 2018.

"Playing for England and GB, and representing all the people that have been a part of your career, is just simply an honour," said Graham.

"I know it sounds cheesy but every time I've sung the anthem, I've looked to the sky and thought about those people. It saddens me that I won't get to have that feeling as a player again.

"I will always be a passionate supporter of England Rugby League – and I'll be cheering on Shaun Wane and the lads at the World Cup next year."

Hosts England are scheduled to kick off the 2021 World Cup with a game against Samoa at St James' Park in Newcastle on October 23.