England unchanged to face France after Tonga defeat

England men's coach Brian McDermott names an unchanged 19-man squad for their Rugby League World Cup match against France in Perth on Saturday. England coach Brian McDermott has named an unchanged 19-man squad for Saturday's Rugby League World Cup match against France. This is despite a 30-12 defeat by Tonga in their opening game which has put England's chances of progression to the semi-finals in danger. AJ Brimson retains his place at full-back in the XIII with Jack Welsby among the interchanges. McDermott has kept faith in his players as they prepare for Saturday's Group B-C match in Perth (kick-off 07.35 BST). England men: AJ Brimson, Dom Young, Hugo Savala, Herbie Farnworth, Zach Eckersley, George Williams, Harry Smith, Max King, Brad O'Neill, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Kai Pearce-Paul, Victor Radley.

Interchange: Jez Litten, Ben Currie, Ethan Havard, Sam Walters, Jack Welsby, Matty Ashton. Listen to live commentary on every men's match, and key women's matches – with coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app Luke Thompson will continue at prop with Morgan Knowles still not fit to play after picking up an injury before the Tonga game. And Mikey Lewis, who was a much-debated pick for the squad as one of the centres ahead of 2025 Super