England thrash France to keep alive World Cup hopes

England beat France 82-0 to maintain their hopes of reaching the Men's Rugby League World Cup semi-finals. Herbie Farnworth scored England's first World Cup hat-trick since Tommy Makinson against Papua New Guinea in 2022 Tries: Farnworth 3, Young 3, Lewis 2, Ashton, Williams, Radley, Litten, Welsby, Brimson Goals: Savala 13 After losing their opener, then watching Tonga and Samoa rack up huge victories, England knew only a massive win over France in Perth would keep alive their World Cup dreams. Mission accomplished: 82-0. But they still require a lot of work and a pinch of luck to reach the semi-finals. England needed this margin of victory following their 30-12 defeat by Tonga last Saturday.

They must do the same against Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on Friday – then hope Tonga beat Samoa next Sunday. After a nervy opening quarter, in which England looked weighed down by expectations and permutations, they finally got going with three tries in four first-half minutes. By half-time, England had six converted tries on the board including a Herbie Farnworth hat-trick. Come full time, Dom Young also bagged a treble and England had 14. Dom Young (centre) scored England's opening try after a scoreless first quarter After 23 minutes, England found their breakthrough as captain George Williams – overwhelmed by Tonga last week and initially