England thrash France in Rugby League World Cup survival bid
Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 12:38 · Archive
England defeated France 82–0 in a Rugby League World Cup match to keep their tournament hopes alive after an opening defeat to Tonga.
England defeated France 82–0 in a Rugby League World Cup match in Perth. The 14-try performance was a record win against France and came after England's opening 30–12 defeat to Tonga left their tournament position precarious.
The unusual 10-team format feeds group winners and runners-up into a combined table, with only the top two progressing to the semi-finals. England currently have two points from this match. Tonga, with two wins and a superior head-to-head record against England, are already guaranteed to finish above England in the standings.
England's qualification route is now out of their hands. They must beat Papua New Guinea by a considerable margin in their final group match on Friday. Even if they do so, they will then need Tonga to defeat Samoa on 1 November. Only if both results go England's way can they progress and avoid missing the semi-finals for the first time in World Cup history. Coach Brian McDermott's side showed significant improvement in this match after their opening loss.
How it is being reported
- ‘White hot’ England’s Rugby League World Cup is hanging in the balanceEngland are at risk of crashing out despite a thumping victory over FranceThe i Paper · 24 Oct, 14:04
- What do England need to avoid historic early World Cup exit?England kept their slim Rugby League World Cup hopes alive with victory over France, but what do Brian McDermott’s side still need to reach the semi-finals?Sky Sports · 24 Oct, 12:12
- England hammer France to keep Rugby League World Cup hopes aliveEngland hammer France to keep Rugby League World Cup hopes aliveThe Telegraph · 24 Oct, 10:58
In this story: England · France · Tonga · Papua New Guinea · Samoa · Brian McDermott · Perth
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem
Comments (0)