England’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the Rugby League World Cup remain just about alive after Brian McDermott’s side racked up 82 points against France to keep themselves in a difficult equation heading into the final round of group matches.
McDermott himself admitted defeat to Tonga in last weekend’s opener left England with a mountain to climb. With a shortened 10-team tournament producing a format that means only the top two from a six-nation pool make the last four, England knew they had to win their remaining group games convincingly and rely on favours elsewhere.
