England out of World Cup after Tonga edge out Samoa

England suffer historic group-stage exit at the Rugby League World Cup with Tonga unable to defeat Samoa by more than 46 points; Tonga will play New Zealand in the last four, while Samoa will face Australia in a repeat of the 2022 final

England's elimination from the World Cup was confirmed after Tonga beat Samoa 20-18 in the final group match.

England sealed a 34-12 victory against Papua New Guinea on Friday but needed to win by a big margin to give themselves a chance of leapfrogging Samoa in Pool B and C and advancing to the semi-finals on points difference.

Brian McDermott's side's hopes rested on Tonga to win by more than 46 points to reach the last four for the seventh successive tournament.

Instead they are on the plane home from Australasia despite winning two of their three matches.

The 30-12 defeat by Tonga in the opening match proved costly, with an 82-0 win over France leaving England with 68 points to make up on Samoa.

They failed to make significant enough inroads in the 32-10 win over Papua New Guinea.

Source: Sky Sports