As Tonga celebrated a historic victory in Perth, England found themselves grappling with missed opportunities in their 2026 Rugby League World Cup opener. Despite showing promise early on, England's inability to capitalize on chances led to a disappointing 30-12 defeat.

Haumole Olakau'atu sealed the game for Tonga with their fourth try, raising concerns about England's future in the tournament. Coach Brian McDermott maintained optimism despite the setback, stating, "It was a really good contest...but we made errors chasing the scoreboard."

Key points from the match include:

• England had the upper hand for significant stretches but faltered due to handling errors and sloppy penalties.
• McDermott emphasized the need to address possession issues, saying, "There are tonnes of positives to take out of tonight, but one or two things we must get rid of."
• This match marked McDermott's debut as England's head coach after succeeding Shaun Wane earlier in the year.

England's lack of preparation was evident, having not played since a loss to Australia in November 2025. The team, without warm-up matches, faced a well-prepared Tonga, who triumphed for the first time in seven meetings.

Captain George Williams acknowledged the team's erratic performance, stressing the importance of finding balance moving forward. As the squad prepares for their next challenge against France, changes in tactics and selection are anticipated, with McDermott promising to review options to enhance team performance.