McDermott: England face 'unique task' to progress and can't get distracted

England head coach Brian McDermott speaks to the media on Thursday, as his side seek to avoid historic Rugby League World Cup pool stage exit; England face Papua New Guinea in their final pool fixture on Friday (9.05am kick-off), knowing they need a big win to keep semi-final hopes alive

Brian McDermott has warned his England side not to chase the points as they look to keep their slim Rugby League World Cup hopes alive with a big win against Papua New Guinea.

England are up against it in their bid to make it through to the semi-finals after they lost 30-12 to Tonga in their opening game.

They must beat Papua New Guinea in their final pool game in Woollongong on Friday and then wait until Sunday, when they need Tonga to beat Samoa, upon whom England must also make up a 68-point deficit.

That means tries will be the order of the day against Papua New Guinea but McDermott, who saw his side beat France 82-0 in their second game, has called for patience.

"We've got a specific task this weekend. I think it'll be a stiffer test than it was against France," McDermott said at his Thursday press conference.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Source: Sky Sports