ENGLAND ALL but secured their place in the Rugby League World Cup quarter finals with a professional 42-18 win against France in Bolton.

Shaun Wane’s side started brightly, with winger Ryan Hall extending his try scoring record for his country with two inside the first eleven minutes.

That was complimented by a good score from Luke Thompson, who was fed by loose forward Victor Radley, arguably England’s best player on the night.

But, to France’s credit, England couldn’t put the game to bed before the break, with the French scoring twice in twelve minutes to make it 18-12 and reduce the deficit to just 6.

However, England regained control within five minutes of the restart. After opening up the French defence with a magical, mazy run, Jon Bateman offloaded to Elliot Whitehead, who grabbed his third try of the tournament so far to give England a 12 point.

That was extended through Radley, who pounced on a perfect grubber kick by debutant Andy Ackers. Radley’s fellow NRL star Dom Young made his mark a short while later, getting on the end of a good break and pass from substitute Jack Welsby.

The highlight of the evening though was Young’s second. After catching a stray pass from deep inside his own half, the winger motored into French territory and crashed over the try line. It was a wonderful, unstoppable effort and yet another example of how dangerous a player this 21 year old really is.

A late try from Arthur Romano aside, England will be pleased with their performance in the second half. They stopped the game becoming a contest and showed enough flair and thrust to give the tournament’s other big hitters a sleepless night or two ahead of the last 8.

Next up for England is a meeting with Greece in Sheffield next Saturday.

Meanwhile, France take on Samoa in Warrington in what’s likely to be a do-or-die clash.

You don’t want to miss it!