England faces France in World Cup crunch after Tonga defeat
England plays France on Saturday in World Cup group match after losing to Tonga; France was hammered 78-4 by Samoa.
England's winger Matty Ashton says his team must balance attacking play with discipline when they face France in Perth on Saturday. England lost to Tonga last weekend and now needs results to go their way across the remaining rounds.
France arrives in far worse shape, thrashed 78-4 by Samoa in their opening match. Ashton, 28, said the focus is on repeating the promise they showed against Tonga but fixing the errors that cost them.
He warned that France will come hard after that heavy defeat. England have beaten France in their two previous meetings, scoring 106 points while conceding just 18.
- 106 points for, 18 against
- England-France history
- 78-4 to Samoa
- France's opening loss
- 28
- Ashton's age
- Perth
- Match location
Why it mattersEngland must win to keep their World Cup hopes alive after an opening loss; the standings and points difference now heavily favour Tonga and Samoa.
AustraliaThe World Cup is being held in Australia with matches at venues including Perth; Australian rugby league fans are watching the tournament unfold.
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