In contrast to McDermott, England women’s coach Stuart Barrow has made a big selection change before their blockbuster meeting with co-hosts Australia on Saturday.
Jenna Foubister will start at half-back, replacing Georgia Roche, after a superb year in the Super League where she was named Woman of Steel.
The 19-year-old, who scored on her debut in a 62-0 win against Wales in August 2025, will partner Izzy Rowe in the halves.
Rowe scored two tries and kicked nine conversions for 26 points as England opened their World Cup campaign with a 70-6 win against Wales last Saturday.
She equalled the record for the most points by an individual England player in a Women’s World Cup match.
There are two other changes to the XIII, as Molly Jones replaces Georgia Wilson in the centres while Liv Wood plays at prop ahead of Mary Coleman.
Lucie Sams is named among the interchanges as England take on reigning champions Australia in Perth with kick-off at 10.05 BST – immediately after the men’s match.
It will be the first time England have played Australia since they suffered their record defeat – 90-4 – in Las Vegas in March 2025.
“It’s definitely a challenge – we would be naive to go into it not thinking it would be really tough,” said England wing Anna Davies.
“But we approach it having grown from the last time we faced them, it is exciting to see the changes we have made. I think we can control a game much better than last time.
“I love getting the chance to play them. It’s a chance to have a go at the best in the world.”
England women: Fran Goldthorpe, Anna Davies, Molly Jones, Connie Boyd, Amelia Brown, Izzy Rowe, Jenna Foubister, Liv Wood, Keara Bennett, Hollie-Mae Dodd, Jasmin Strange, Eva Hunter, Megan Williams.
Interchange: Jodie Cunningham, Vicky Whitfield, Georgia Roche, Lucie Sams.
Reserves: Mary Coleman, Georgia Wilson, Lucy Murray.