England thrash France to keep alive World Cup hopes

England kept their Men's Rugby League World Cup semi-final hopes alive with a commanding 82-0 victory over France on Saturday.

The result was exactly the kind of emphatic response England needed after losing their opening match 30-12 to Tonga. With Tonga and Samoa having already recorded large wins, England knew only a big margin would repair the damage to their points difference.

After a nervy and scoreless opening quarter, England found their rhythm. By half-time they led 36-0, with six converted tries on the board, including a hat-trick from Herbie Farnworth. The BBC noted it was England's first World Cup hat-trick since Tommy Makinson scored against Papua New Guinea.

The tries kept coming after the break. Dom Young also completed a hat-trick, while Mikey Lewis scored twice. Matty Ashton, captain George Williams, Victor Radley, Jez Litten, Jack Welsby and AJ Brimson also crossed, as England ran in 14 tries in total.

Hugo Savala was central to the scoreline with his kicking, missing only one goal from 14 attempts, according to the BBC report.

The win does not yet secure a semi-final place. England must now repeat the feat against Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on Friday and then hope Tonga beat Samoa. Despite the margin, the BBC report also noted six England errors in the opening 20 minutes, a reminder that sterner tests still lie ahead.