Rugby League World Cup 2026: England ready
Brad O'Neill dismisses claims England were underprepared for their 30-12 defeat to Tonga, retaining an unchanged squad for France.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Brad O'Neill denies claims England were underprepared ahead of their 30-12 loss to Tonga.
- Head coach Brian McDermott keeps an unchanged 19-man squad for Saturday's match against France.
- England women make key selection changes, bringing in Jenna Foubister to face Australia.
- England men face a tough path to the semi-finals requiring convincing wins and favorable points difference.
Brad O'Neill has dismissed suggestions that the England national rugby league team was underprepared for their Rugby League World Cup 2026 campaign, following a disappointing 30-12 opening defeat against Tonga. Head coach Brian McDermott has opted to keep faith with the exact same 19-man squad as they prepare to face France this Saturday in Perth in a crucial bid to salvage their tournament.
McDermott's side faced an exceptionally tight turnaround leading into the tournament, with the opening match against Tonga taking place just 14 days after the conclusion of the 2026 Super League Grand Final. The squad flew out to Australia only 10 days before the game without playing a single warm-up fixture, meaning they entered the tournament opener having not played international rugby league since losing to Australia in Headingley back in November of the previous year.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
However, when asked by BBC Sport if fatigue and a lack of preparation contributed to the defeat against Tonga, the 2026 Super League Man of Steel strongly rejected the notion, stating that the team enjoyed a fantastic week of preparation and felt physically great, while simply acknowledging that the better side won on the day.
"We're not changing anything we play, it is about the execution side of things. It is those combinations in training and bringing those to the match."
Brian McDermott
In contrast, England women's head coach Stuart Barrow has made a significant selection change ahead of their blockbuster clash against co-hosts Australia this Saturday. Nineteen-year-old Jenna Foubister, who was named Woman of Steel following an outstanding campaign with Wigan Warriors, will start at half-back in place of Georgia Roche, partnering Izzy Rowe in the halves.
The unique format of the Rugby League World Cup 2026 combines Groups B and C into a six-team pool where only the top two advance to the semi-finals. Following their historic first-ever defeat to Tonga, England's path to the knockout stages is fraught with difficulty. They must secure victories against both France and Papua New Guinea while potentially relying heavily on points difference and favorable results from remaining group fixtures.
Both the men's and women's teams will take to the field in Perth this Saturday, with the men facing France followed immediately by the women's encounter against reigning champions Australia. Live commentary and comprehensive coverage remain available across BBC broadcast platforms.
Source: BBC Sport
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