England ‘not thinking about points difference’ against France

England hooker Brad O'Neill says the team will not focus on points difference when facing France in Perth on Saturday. Following an opening 30-12 defeat to Tonga, England must beat France and Papua New Guinea to maintain their slim hopes of reaching the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals. Despite the pressure, head coach Brian McDermott has named an unchanged 19-man squad.

O'Neill emphasized that England must keep the same hard-nosed mentality and concentrate on execution rather than chasing large margins. Due to the tournament format, England's qualification hopes also depend on Tonga beating Samoa, which could leave semi-final advancement resting on points difference against Samoa, who previously defeated France 78-4.