England faces Tonga in World Cup opener as redemption looms
England plays world No.5 Tonga on Saturday in a match that likely decides whether they reach the semi-finals.
England's World Cup campaign starts Saturday night at Perth's HBF Park against tournament dark horse Tonga, a match that could make or break their semi-final chances. Only two teams from pools B and C will advance, so losing to Tonga puts England on the back foot immediately.
England captain George Williams, who just signed with the NRL's Dolphins, carries scars from 2022 when Samoa beat them 27-26 in the semi-finals on a golden-point field goal after England had thrashed them 60-6 in the opener.
England also faces France and Papua New Guinea in their pool. Williams said the loss shaped his team: "Sometimes you learn the most about yourself in the tough times."
- 27-26 to Samoa
- 2022 semi-final loss score
- 60-6 England win
- 2022 pool match against Samoa
- World No.3
- England's seeding
- World No.5
- Tonga's seeding
Why it mattersThis match decides whether England's World Cup campaign can recover from four years of heartbreak or heads toward another early exit.
AustraliaThe match is played in Perth on Saturday night, and England's performance could set the tone for what Australian audiences will see in the tournament.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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