England continued their strong start to the Rugby League World Cup 2021 campaign with a 42-18 win against France in Bolton tonight.
It was another strong performance from the hosts, who top Group B with back-to-back wins. Dom Young and Ryan Hall both scored doubles in the win which saw them inch closer to making the Quarter Finals of the tournament.
England just continued on after their dominant win against Samoa, rucking forward with ease. A high kick was batted back by Herbie Farnworth and Marc Sneyd before England's all-time scorer Ryan Hall touched down.
It was a sense of deja vu for England's second four-pointer. Another quick move on the left side ended with Hall crossing without being touched. England looked like the side which was one of the favourites to lift the trophy again.
That thought continued to build amongst the crowd in Bolton, as England raced to an 18-0 lead. Victor Radley who was one of the big talking points before the tournament for his selection broke the line and linked up with Luke Thompson to stroll over the line.
At 18-0, it looked a long way back for France. They found some light just before the break with back-to-back tries. First, Arthur Mourge kicked through and chased his kick to continue his strong start to the tournament.
Their belief grew just moments after. Some sloppy work from the English on their own line gifted them some possession. Interchange utility Eloi Pelissier snuck over from close range to make it 18-12 at the break despite some late English pressure.
The belief created by the French was snuffed out like a torch on Survivor quickly in the second half. Fromer Raiders team mates John Bateman and Elliot Whitehead combined for the former to restore the 12 point lead.
Next it was a good moment for Radley in an England shirt. Andy Ackers pushed through the kick which saw the Roosters forward just stroll towards the ball and touch down after some video confirmation.
Jack Welsby was a tactical switch at the back from England coach Shaun Wane, and he provided the assist for Dominic Young's third four-pointer of the tournament. England broke down the right, used the numbers and the Knights winger had the score for 36-12.
One of the stars of the first round of games was back in action. France were on the attack but a loose pass from Pelissier is snatched in the air by Young who was celebrating on the way to the try line with his second of the game.
France got some late consolation through Arthur Romano. Tony Gigot weaved through the defence then found the winger in stride and he got himself on the scoresheet and made it 42-18 for the well beaten side.