India, Oct. 30 -- England beat Papua New Guinea 34-12 in their final pool match at the Rugby League World Cup 2026, but the victory did little to ease the pressure on their campaign. After racing into a commanding first half lead, England failed to build the winning margin they desperately needed to strengthen their semi final qualification hopes.

England required a 68 point victory to overtake Samoa on points difference. Instead, they won by 22 points, leaving their fate dependent on the outcome of Tonga's match against Samoa on Sunday.

The result keeps the qualification equation alive, but England have left themselves needing help after failing to turn early dominance into the emphatic victory their campaign demanded.

England Race In...