There was a try-scoring debut for Gravesend Dynamite founder Jason Owen in England’s comfortable win over Spain in Nantes, France, last Thursday.

Owen started as a substitute as England got off to a great start, Wigan’s Jack Heggie scoring in the first minute.

The first half proved to be a close affair. England initially extended their lead with two further tries, only for Spain to finish the half strongly as England held a 24-22 half-time advantage.

Owen came on at the break to gain his first international rugby league cap.

England put a lot of pressure on Spain at the start of the second period and pinned them back towards their try-line.

Chris Haynes, of Sheffield Eagles, extended England’s lead after good work from Hull’s Tristan Norfolk. Owen then added more points with the conversion as he got his first official England score.

England pulled further away with a try from Owen after good work from Nathan Holmes (Halifax Panthers) before Adam Rigby (Wigan Warriors) and Owen then set up Heggie for a try.

With the game edging towards the final whistle, Spain put some consolation points on the board - but England weren’t finished yet.

Joe Coyd, one of Owen’s team-mates at London Roosters, added two more tries before Haynes got his second try to complete a 58-26 victory for England.

“To score a try on my debut was a bonus - but a team win and the opportunity to wear an England rugby league shirt was the most pleasing,” said a thrilled Owen.

“The experience of roaring out the national anthem before the game, sitting alongside team-mates - some of which I watched as a new spectator to the sport back in Medway at the World Cup final in 2013 - is something that will never be forgotten.”