The key facts

  • Tonga beat England 30:12 in Perth — the first victory over the English in history
  • England risk missing the World Cup semi-finals for the first time; only two of the six teams in groups B and C advance
  • England coach Brian McDermott: 'We are moving in the right direction'

England's sensational defeat

The England rugby league team suffered an unexpected 12:30 defeat to Tonga in a World Cup match in Perth on Saturday. For Tonga, it was the first-ever victory over England, who are regarded as a 'first-tier' nation. Tonga achieved the win thanks to a solid defence, scoring four tries to two. The Tongans, however, lost star halfback Latu Fainu early to a pectoral muscle injury.

Semi-final hopes under threat

In the 10-team tournament, only two of the six teams in groups B and C advance to the top four. England, ranked third in the world, had previously reached the semi-finals all seven times they competed as a separate team (rather than as Great Britain). Now, to keep their hopes alive, they need Tonga to beat Samoa on 1 November, and must themselves take maximum points in their matches against Papua New Guinea and France.

Coaches' reaction

England coach Brian McDermott, who was in charge for his first match, said: 'I could look at the points, the points difference, work out the strategies — every road leads to the fact that we need to win the next two matches, and win convincingly. I understand that.' He added that he had seen enough to say the team is 'moving in the right direction', and that what is needed now is 'to put in a ton of effort'. Tonga coach Kristian Woolf called the win a sign of the team's progress: 'The longer the game went on, the better we played. Beating first-tier nations is a big deal, it has only happened a few times, and we have been part of several such major victories. We are very proud.'

Upcoming schedule

Tonga will face Lebanon in Sydney on 23 October, while England, staying in Perth, will play France the following day.