John Bateman has described captaining England on Saturday afternoon as a dream come true.
The Wigan Warriors back-rower led England out at the Stade Gilbert Brutus and touched down for two tries in the 30-10 win over France.
The first try came in the opening quarter of the contest as he finished a fine attacking move down the right side and he was on hand once more to claim a smart offload from Mike Cooper for his second of the day late on.
However, just captaining the side was an honour for Bateman and he has taken to social media to sum up his feelings.
“In sports you dream big and never think the biggest dreams will come true,” he wrote.
“I dreamed of only ever playing for my country, I did that this weekend as well as captaining my country and wow, what an honour that was.
“I’d just like to say a massive thank you to me family and friends, the ones who’ve been there since day one. My mum, nan, brother and grandad, who drove me all over the country as a young nipper, that one was for you.
“And to finish, the team, for going out there and getting the win.
“Absolutely buzzing still!
“Dream as big as you want, kids, because a little tear away from Bradford has lived his biggest dream ever this weekend.”
