The predictions are in for England’s two games at this week’s Rugby League World Cup, and unlike last week, both our writers are in strong agreement.

Fresh off their defeat to Tonga, a victory that Sam Cook predicted would occur, England men now face France and need to win by as many points as possible to keep their slim hopes of a semi-final spot alive.

Tonga’s win against England now means that Brian McDermott’s side are relying on last week’s opponents to top the group, meaning they defeat both Lebanon and Samoa.

England then need to beat France this week and Papua New Guinea next week, racking up enough points in those games to hopefully better the points difference of Samoa. England are already over 90 points behind in that category, and with the Samoans expected to win comfortably over PNG, it seems too big a task.

In a change to last week, England Women will play after the men, with their clash with the Australian Jillaroos named as Saturday’s main event. Stuart Barrow’s side are confident they have put the 90-4 defeat in Las Vegas behind them, and are hoping to put on a better performance to represent their nation.

Below are both of our writers’ predictions heading into Saturday’s double-header, along with a brief explanation and also a vote for Player of the Match.

England predictions: Rugby League World Cup week two

England (M) v France (M) – Saturday 24th October @ 7:35 am (UK time) 

Sam Cook: England 40-16 France, Player of the Match: Herbie Farnworth

England were not awful last time out, they just lacked execution inside Tonga’s 20 and against a weaker opponent in France, they can score points. Ultimately, I don’t think they’ll score enough to come close to the points difference they need should Tonga beat Samoa.

Sam Brocksom: England 56-6 France, Player of the Match: Matty Ashton

England need to rack up as many points as they can to have any chance of taking their semi-final hopes to the final week. I’m backing them to win by 50, but even that might not be enough. It all depends on whether Samoa defeat PNG, and if so, by how many.

England (W) v Australia (W) – Saturday 24th October @ 10:05 am (UK time)

Sam Cook: England 8-54 Australia, Player of the Match: Tarryn Aiken

This match isn’t too long removed from the mauling in Las Vegas, and England are even less experienced now, but arguably a stronger team. Australia should still easily pile on 50, but they weren’t incredible in their opener.

Sam Brocksom: England 10-44 Australia, Player of the Match: Tamika Upton

A scoreline like that doesn’t sound like it would be a positive result for England, but if they can keep Australia to a half-century as a maximum, that would be a huge result given the two’s last meeting.

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