England gears up to face a determined France in a crucial Rugby League World Cup match on Saturday morning in Perth. With their hopes of reaching the semi-finals hanging by a thread, Brian McDermott’s men know that their only path forward requires a better points difference than Samoa, assuming Samoa loses to Tonga next week.

The situation has become increasingly challenging following Samoa's dominant 78-4 victory over France last week. Matty Ashton, returning to the starting lineup in place of Zach Eckersley, emphasizes the need for England to brace for a more focused French team. He stated, “We’ll expect a different France this week. We’re expecting a big defensive display.” Ashton highlights the importance of sticking to their game processes to convert opportunities into points.

In their last encounter, England defeated France 40-8, but Ashton warns against underestimating their opponents. McDermott also supports this sentiment, asserting that while awareness of the need for a significant victory is present, the focus remains on executing their game plan effectively.

Key points include:

• England must win big to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
• Tonga's upcoming match against Samoa is crucial for England’s progression.
• McDermott stresses the importance of a strong start rather than focusing on a potential landslide victory.

With the stakes high, both teams prepare for a physical battle, knowing that the outcome could define their World Cup journey.