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England coach Brian McDermott has urged his players to avoid panicking as they chase a heavy points victory against Papua New Guinea in Wollongong on Friday to keep their Rugby League World Cup semi-final hopes alive. For the second consecutive week, England must monitor the scoreboard while aiming for a dominant win over the Kumuls.
World Cup Qualification Scenario
England require two specific outcomes to avoid missing out on the World Cup’s final four for the first time in history. They need a 68-point swing in points difference over rivals Samoa, alongside a Samoan defeat against Tonga on Sunday. McDermott wants his squad to stick to the same tactical blueprint that delivered an 82-0 thrashing of France last weekend.
McDermott explained that the team must maintain discipline and avoid searching for things outside their preferred style of play. He noted that England went scoreless for the first 22 minutes against France before accelerating in the second half to secure their largest-ever margin of victory over the opponent. In contrast, Papua New Guinea led Samoa 14-6 at halftime in their second group match before collapsing after the break and losing 64-6.
Squad Selection and Changes
England’s hunt for points has resulted in Warrington winger Matty Ashton retaining his spot on the left flank. Hull KR player Jez Litten has been selected at hooker over Wigan’s Brad O’Neill, who recently won the Super League Man of Steel award and is named on the interchange bench alongside club team-mate Zach Eckersley.
McDermott admitted that having a difficult conversation with O’Neill was challenging, but emphasized that the decision came down to finding the best fit for the game plan. Brisbane Broncos prop Ben Talty remains unused in the tournament, while late call-up Kallum Watkins joins the interchange bench as Victor Radley and Jack Welsby drop out.
Morgan Knowles is set to make his first tournament appearance after missing England’s 30-12 defeat by Tonga on October 17 due to a calf injury. Knowles also celebrated the birth of his third child with his wife on Wednesday. McDermott stated that Knowles has a lot going on but expressed excitement about getting him back into the team for Friday’s match.
England Women Prepare for Samoa Clash
Meanwhile, England women’s prop Vicky Whitfield suggested that a heavy 78-0 defeat against reigning world champions Australia served as ideal preparation for a crucial final group game against Samoa on Friday. The winner of the Pool A match will secure a semi-final spot against Pool B winners New Zealand.
Whitfield told BBC Sport that the fast-paced contest against Australia hardened the team defensively ahead of the Samoa match. Reaching the final four has been a primary objective for Stuart Barrow’s squad from the beginning of the tournament.
Whitfield stated that reaching the semi-finals would be incredible and fulfill the team’s goals for the tournament.
