• Rugby League World Cup

England into semis after seeing off France

ESPN staff
November 16, 2013
Josh Charnley scored England's opening try © Getty Images
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England secured a World Cup semi-final showdown with New Zealand after an underwhelming 34-6 win over France at the DW Stadium.

Steve McNamara's side went behind in Wigan after Vincent Duport gave France an early lead, but two first-half tries apiece from wingers Josh Charnley and Ryan Hall saw England take command.

Sean O'Loughlin and Bret Ferres then added tries after the break, but the performance left McNamara less than impressed.

"It was very scratchy and I'm disappointed tonight. In terms of performance, we were way down from what we expect," he said.

"We respected France going into the game but the amount of errors we made was extraordinary for a game of rugby league.

"We will be fine next week and back to our best against class opposition."

Sam Tomkins, who is leaving Wigan Warriors for the New Zealand Warriors in a world record deal at the end of the tournament, was named man of the match.

He said: "It wasn't the best way to end my last game at the DW Stadium but it is important to get the win. I have said all my goodbyes here so tonight was about winning.

"We played well in patches and went sloppy when we knew the game was won and have to improve against the Kiwis. Everyone was fully focused on what we had to do and we have to play better next week."

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