England seek to recover against France in World Cup

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 13:15 · Archive

England face France in their second Rugby League World Cup match in Perth on Saturday after losing to Tonga.

England face France in Perth on Saturday in their second Rugby League World Cup group match. An opening 30-12 defeat to Tonga has left England's semi-final hopes precarious, with progress now dependent on other results going in their favour and on points difference.

Head coach Brian McDermott has retained an unchanged 19-man matchday squad, signalling continuity in approach despite the difficult circumstances. England's players have stressed the need to maintain their disciplined process rather than chase points recklessly. Winger Matty Ashton said the side must 'stick to our basics' from the Tonga game whilst improving execution. Hooker Brad O'Neill, the newly-crowned Super League Man of Steel, echoed this: 'We can't go into this game thinking about the points difference. We've got to go into this game hard-nosed like we did against Tonga.'

France arrive smarting from a 78-4 humbling by Samoa in their opening match. However, Ashton warned that France will present a different challenge, describing them as 'pretty exciting when they get their game on'. England have historically fared well against France, scoring 106 points whilst conceding 18 across their two previous meetings.

How it is being reported

• Matty Ashton expects improved France defensive effort in crucial World Cup matchEngland need a big points win to keep their semi-final dream alive in Australia.Independent Sport · 23 Oct, 13:12
• England balancing points chase and discipline at World CupEngland winger Matty Ashton stresses the need to balance the chase for points with retaining their discipline when they face France in Perth on Saturday in their second Rugby League World Cup group fixture.BBC Sport · 23 Oct, 12:39
• England 'not thinking about points difference' against FranceEngland hooker Brad O'Neill says his side will resist the urge to go for broke when they face France in their second Rugby League World Cup match in Perth on Saturday.Sky Sports · 21 Oct, 16:58

In this story: England · France · Tonga · Samoa · Perth · Brian McDermott · Brad O'Neill · Matty Ashton

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