What did we learn from England in the first round of RLWC 2026?

England women showed their style in a massive opening 70-4 win over Wales; England men suffered a 30-12 defeat to Tonga and their Rugby League World Cup is now out of their hands; Izzy Rowe shined for England, with the mens half-backs leaving questions

It was a week of highs and lows for England men and women in the Rugby League World Cup, with England women's massive 70-4 win over Wales women being followed by a tough 30-12 loss for England against Tonga.

​​​​Both England teams are considered underdogs to make it through to the semi-finals, with the task now getting even greater for the men's side after that loss to what looks to be potentially the strongest Tonga team we have ever seen.

Meanwhile, England women prep for Australia - a feat that will be their biggest to date.

So, what did we learn from their openers and what can we expect moving forward into week two? Let's take a look...

England men had a clear tactic in their match against Tonga - second phase play. They were offloading the ball freely and constantly trying to create opportunity and space. In all fairness, it worked and got them into try-scoring positions on the field.

Source: Sky Sports