England faces a crucial match against France on Saturday in Perth as they seek to keep their hopes of reaching the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals alive. The team is coming off a 30-12 defeat to Tonga last weekend, a game that highlighted both the intensity of the competition and areas needing improvement.

Hooker Brad O’Neill, who was recently named Super League’s Man of Steel, emphasized that England must adopt a determined and pragmatic approach rather than chasing points against France. Despite the pressure to improve their points difference following Tonga’s decisive win, O'Neill stressed that the team’s mentality and preparation will remain consistent with their previous match. “We can’t go into this game thinking about the points difference,” he said, adding that execution will be key.

England’s head coach, Brian McDermott, has opted to retain the same 19-man squad for the encounter, signaling confidence in the current lineup and stability in team selection. O’Neill confirmed there would be no radical changes to their style of play, instead focusing on improving execution following the Tonga loss. He noted that England must respect France, a side also coming off a loss, and expects a highly competitive fixture.

Reflecting on the defeat to Tonga, O’Neill described the match as physically demanding and fast-paced, pointing out that Tonga’s defensive resilience was a major challenge. However, he expressed optimism in the team’s progress, saying the desired playing style was evident despite lapses in execution. He also mentioned that some England players are still developing combinations, underscoring that the squad is relatively new.

England previously defeated France 42-18 in the last World Cup, but this time the French team suffered a heavy 78-4 loss to Samoa, indicating a potential vulnerability. O’Neill, who regularly competes against French players in the Super League through clubs like Catalans and Toulouse, highlighted the familiarity between the sides and anticipates a spirited contest.

The England camp has maintained a positive outlook despite the setback, focusing on regrouping and putting forth their best effort in the upcoming matches. O’Neill conveyed confidence in the squad’s ability to respond under pressure, stating, “There is real belief in the lads that we can do it.”

With two matches left in the pool stage, England recognizes that strong performances are essential to qualify for the knockout phase. How they respond to France’s challenge will be closely watched as they aim to recover from an early stumble in the tournament.