England’s Rugby League World Cup campaign is in trouble after just one game, and head coach Brian McDermott knows the fix has to come fast. A self-inflicted 30-12 defeat to Tonga in Perth on Saturday has left England needing to win their remaining group games to keep their semi-final hopes alive. Brian McDermott (Credits: BBC)
As Tonga’s supporters celebrated in their thousands, England were left to rue a night defined by handling errors, needless offloads, and sloppy penalties. The better side for long stretches — arguably the better team for the opening 20 minutes of both halves — England repeatedly handed momentum back before Haumole Olakau’atu crashed over for Tonga’s fourth try to seal the result.
McDermott: “I’m Not Going to Say It’s an Easy Fix”
Speaking at his post-match press conference, McDermott refused to hide behind excuses, though he had plenty available. “It was a really good contest — when it wasn’t, it was down to us and the errors we made,” he said. “We stood toe to toe for nearly all the game, but we made errors chasing the scoreboard. I’m not going to say it’s an easy fix, but it’s something I can change.”
His blunt assessment continued: “You cannot play with freedom at international level — you have to keep hold of the ball.” The message was clear: England must win their next two games. “We know what is in front of us now,” McDermott added. “I have seen enough to say we are heading in the right direction. We were not strategically outdone.”
Selection Questions Loom Ahead of France
This was McDermott’s first match in charge since his appointment in April, succeeding Shaun Wane — and the first time England had played since November 2025, with no warm-up fixtures. Wane’s 2023 side had whitewashed Tonga in Britain; this time, the Tongans claimed their first win in seven meetings.
Selection will come under scrutiny. The central pairing of Harry Smith and captain George Williams was found wanting, with Williams enduring one of his poorest games in an England shirt. AJ Brimson scored England’s first try but was caught out of position for Tonga’s fourth. McDermott admitted he will “have a look” at his options, with the team to face France named on Tuesday expected to show changes.
Williams offered defiance: “You have to give Tonga credit for the scramble, but I reckon we left three or four [opportunities] out there early doors. We lost our way, we were erratic, we must find that balance to improve the team. We can’t be kicking stones.”
With a complicated group format where only the top two in the combined table reach the semis, one more slip could end England’s campaign early. The France game is now must-win.
Also Read: England Stunned 30-12 by Tonga in Rugby League World Cup Opener as Campaign Hits Early Trouble
Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
