England captain George Williams on keeping World Cup hopes alive - 'Given ourselves half a chance'
George Williams on England’s win over France and their Rugby League World Cup semi-final hopes
England captain George Williams says his side have given themselves ‘half a chance’ of reaching the Rugby League World Cup semi-finals after an 82-0 win over France.
England ran in 14 tries at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday to keep their hopes of progressing alive after losing their opening match 30-12 against Tonga.
The result leaves Brian McDermott’s side needing another big win against Papua New Guinea on Friday, while also relying on other results to go their way.
The former Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves star was pleased with how England responded to their opening defeat, praising their defensive effort after they were tasked with chasing a significant points difference.
“There were so many positives last week (against Tonga) that we could build on, and it’s always tough coming into a game knowing you’ve got to post a certain amount of points, but the most pleasing one was probably the zero,” said Williams, who will return to the NRL with the Dolphins in 2027.
“We were always chasing points in terms of the situation we’re in, but to get the zero was massive.”
England’s captain also felt his side handled the pressure of needing a big score without losing their defensive discipline.
“I think we were the best we could be and that’s all you can ask of your team in the situation we find ourselves in,” Williams added.
“It’s different and difficult, but I think we’ve managed it really well and given ourselves half a chance.”
England must now beat Papua New Guinea by a significant margin in Wollongong on Friday to give themselves the best possible chance of progressing.
If England were to beat PNG, their fate will then also depend on the outcome of Tonga’s meeting with Samoa on Sunday - a Samoan victory would guarantee England’s elimination.
Williams, however, insists belief remains within the squad as they prepare for their final group match.
“I think the belief has never gone away - it’s a difficult situation - but the belief has never gone away,” he added.
“Brian keeps saying whenever there is half a chance, we can go at it, and that’s what we’ve done.”