England beat France 82-0 at the Rugby League World Cup, keeping semi-final hopes alive

A record win in Perth

England had to win big to keep their World Cup campaign alive after losing their opener to Tonga 30-12. They beat France 82-0 in Perth, and the Telegraph called it a record win against their cross-channel neighbours and a record 14-try demolition. Few expected an upset, since France had not beaten England or Great Britain since 1990 and had been beaten 78-4 by Samoa earlier in the tournament. France started strongly, and England looked nervous early, making errors, forcing passes and conceding penalties at HBF Park. The turning point came in the 23rd minute, when captain George Williams broke the line and a clever behind-the-back pass sent Dom Young over in the corner. England led 36-0 at half-time and added another 46 points in the second half.

What England still need

Only the top two teams from each pool reach the semi-finals of this abbreviated tournament, and England sit third behind Tonga and Samoa. Samoa's 64-6 win over Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby left points difference out of England's reach. England must now beat Papua New Guinea in Wollongong by more than 68 points and hope Tonga beat Samoa in Parramatta. If Samoa win instead, all three nations would finish level on points, and England would be eliminated because of their head-to-head result against Tonga.

Who scored

Herbie Farnworth and Dom Young each finished with a hat-trick, while Mikey Lewis scored two tries. Matty Ashton, George Williams, Victor Radley, Jez Litten, Welsby and AJ Brimson added one try each. Harry Smith set up Farnworth's first try on 27 minutes, and Ashton's try was his seventh in six Tests. Young completed his hat-trick late in the match after catching a dreadful short kick-off and racing through.

Outlook

France threatened only in spurts and made too many simple mistakes in defence. AJ Brimson's direct running pierced the French line time and again, and he was named man of the match. Harry Smith and George Williams kept creating chances from the halves, in stark contrast to England's display against Tonga. England's campaign now depends on the Papua New Guinea match in Wollongong and on the result of Tonga against Samoa.