England’s 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign began with a frustrating 30-12 defeat to Tonga in Perth. Despite the result, head coach Brian McDermott insists the squad can rectify the tactical and handling errors that cost them the match, though critics are already questioning if the team’s tournament hopes are effectively over. Many of them justified, but he organised a defensively solid England team who whitewashed Tonga on their tour of Britain in 2023, wane had his critics.
Reflecting on the contest, McDermott acknowledged that his side struggled to maintain momentum due to self-inflicted mistakes. While England matched their opponents for large stretches during the opening 20 minutes of both halves, they were ultimately undone by a sequence of handling errors, unnecessary offloads, and undisciplined penalties. By the time Haumole Olakau’atu scored the final try for Tonga, the outcome was sealed. As Tonga’s deliriously happy supporters celebrated in their thousands in Perth, England knew they only had themselves to blame. A much more assured Tonga side started the evening with a spine-tingling Sipi Tau battle dance and ended it with victory for the first time in seven meetings with England. Too willing to pass up the chance to run at the Tongans and pass the buck, his side looked nervous with ball in hand.
“It was a really good contest, but when it wasn’t, it was down to us and the errors we made,” McDermott stated following the match. He noted that the team chased the scoreboard too aggressively, leading to further mistakes. While admitting the situation is not an “easy fix,” the coach maintained that the issues are manageable, adding, “I have seen enough to say we are heading in the right direction.” And that is where the former Leeds Rhinos coach will be questioned, team selection and tactics are not.
The match marked McDermott’s first game in charge since his appointment in April as the successor to Shaun Wane. The team faced significant challenges regarding preparation, as they played no warm-up matches and had not appeared together since a loss to Australia in November 2025. England’s last victory dates back to November 2024, when they defeated Samoa. Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand. And key women’s matches – with coverage on Radio 5 Live, Radio 5 Sports Extra, Sounds and Sport website and app, listen to live commentary on every men’s match. And McDermott has had to piece together a team with minimal preparation, he left in January after England were well beaten in last year’s Ashes. And one loss does not change how we think, we have a great group of lads.
Tactical scrutiny will likely follow the defeat, particularly regarding selection. Captain George Williams struggled significantly, and AJ Brimson—who was preferred at full-back over Jack Welsby—was caught out of position for Tonga’s fourth try, despite scoring England’s only try of the day. McDermott confirmed he will review his options for the upcoming match against France, with team changes expected to be announced on Tuesday. As for selection, McDermott chose a central pairing of Harry Smith and captain George Williams. They were found wanting, with Williams enduring one of his poorest games in an England shirt.
Captain George Williams echoed the sentiment that England failed to capitalize on early dominance. “We lost our way, we were erratic, we must find that balance to improve the team,” he said. Despite the setback, Williams emphasized that the team remains focused on the next two matches required to progress. But one or two things we must get rid of, like losing possession, there are tonnes of positives to take out of tonight.
McDermott remained firm on the tactical demands of international competition, noting, “You cannot play with freedom at international level, you have to keep hold of the ball.” With the team now ranked third globally and Tonga fifth, the pressure is mounting for England to sharpen their performance as they look toward their next tournament fixtures. We know what is in front of us now.
