Leon Pryce has delivered his verdict on Mikey Lewis after England's World Cup win over France.

Mikey Lewis gave England a timely reminder of his attacking threat against France, with Leon Pryce backing the Hull KR star to play a crucial role in their final Rugby League World Cup group clash against Papua New Guinea.

Lewis, 25, was selected ahead of back-to-back Dream Team half-back Jake Connor in Brian McDermott's England squad, but had to wait for his first opportunity, coming off the interchange bench against France.

And the livewire playmaker made it count, scoring twice after injecting fresh attacking threat midway through the second half as England dominated to an 82-0 victory to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

England now need a 68-point swing, including a Tonga win over Samoa, to reach the semi-finals of the 10-team tournament.

Great Britain and England legend Pryce was among those impressed by Lewis’ impact after the playmaker was initially named as a reserve before being promoted to the bench to face France.

Pryce has also backed Lewis to play a key role in England’s final group match against Papua New Guinea - before the nation faces an anxious 48-hour wait for the outcome of the Samoa-Tonga clash.

Speaking on Premier Sports, Pryce said: “Mikey has struggled a little bit throughout this season, and I think he has struggled for form, so I think it was maybe a bit of a surprise that he made the squad.

“But he showed there tonight what he’s in there for. He’s off the cuff, his evasiveness, he can play what he sees in front of him.

“On form, he’s a fantastic player. We’re going to need him in this last game on top form.”