England scored 14 tries in an absolute rout of France, as Brian McDermott’s side did as much as they possibly could to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Putting 82 points on their rivals without reply, it was a tense opening 20 minutes for the English fans, who watched their side fail to execute a number of clear opportunities.

However, in a flick of a switch, Dom Young scored the first of his three tries, before Herbie Farnworth’s first-half hat-trick, Matty Ashton and George Williams’ scores gave them a 36-0 lead at the break.

Young’s second opened the second-half scoring on 47 minutes, before support play paid off with Victor Radley and Jez Litten in support of line breaks to cross.

Mikey Lewis’ first gave England a 52-0 lead before Young’s third was a moment of individual brilliance. Jack Welsby emerged from the subs’ bench to score before a second for Lewis rounded out the afternoon’s points.

England still have over 80 points to make up if they are to better Samoa’s points difference, but here are the player ratings for what was largely a clinical display with ball-in-hand.

England player ratings as NRL men shine in 82-0 defeat of France

AJ Brimson – 9/10

England’s best player with three assists. Constantly in support around the ruck and made five line breaks. His line break sent over Ashton for a score. Scored the final try of the game, in what was a richly-deserved four points.

Dominic Young – 9/10

Scored the opening try of the game before assisting Farnworth for his hat-trick score. Scored two more in the second half, including an incredible solo effort, taking the ball from a short kick-off to race away.

Hugo Savala – 7/10

Didn’t score a try but his catch-and-pass was crucial to Farnworth’s third. Kicked 13 from 14 conversions.

Herbie Farnworth – 8/10:

Scored a first-half hat-trick. Was quieter in the second half but totalled 168 metres from 12 carries.

Matty Ashton – 7/10

Bombed the first try, dropping the ball over the line. Made up for it with the game’s second try. Ate plenty of metres carrying out of backfield.

George Williams – 8/10

Had a strong running game, but couldn’t create much early on. Shouldn’t have been 23 minutes before scoring. Provided a lovely assist for Young to score before getting over himself thanks to Smith’s offload.

The second half saw him start well with an inch-perfect kick for Young to chase and score.

Harry Smith – 7/10:

After a poor opening 20 minutes where end-of-set plays were ineffective, Smith found a running game that proved much more elusive, and his two line breaks saw tries for Farnworth and Williams.

Kicked for touch and slowed the game down when England had momentum 10 minutes to go. Poor game management.

Max King – 7.5/10:

Made 83 metres from 10 carries in first stint. Totalled 169 metres overall, alongside 14 hit ups and two offloads.

Brad O’Neill – 6/10:

Came off after 25 minutes, had a bit of a running game and made 11 tackles.

Made 151 metres from 17 carries. Led the pack in a much-improved display from last week.

Junior Nsemba – 7.5/10:

Was a constant threat with ball in hand. Almost scored the final try having been in support of Ashton’s break but lost possession.

Kai Pearce-Paul – 7/10:

His offload allowed Williams to score his try. Much better display than last week. 31 tackles, one miss.

In support of Litten for his try. Much better passing game this week and did well defensively.

Jez Litten – 8.5/10:

Came on after Young’s first try on 25 minutes, and his quick rucks largely contibuted to the momentum England had. That allowed them to score five more first-half tries. By far England’s best hooker.

Sam Walters – 7.5/10:

Provided great impact off the bench when he joined the fray 20 minutes in. Made plenty of metres and always looked for the offload.

Jack Welsby – 7/10:

Scored after coming off the bench with 20 to go. Should have had two but he needed to offload to Lewis after almost being caught by a tired Bousquet.

Mikey Lewis – 8/10:

Only had 20 minutes to show his worth but did that in abundance. Excellent running game and two tries.

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