England unchanged to face France after Tonga defeat

Brian McDermott keeps faith with the England team beaten by Tonga as they bid to revive their Rugby League World Cup campaign against France in Perth this Saturday.

England coach Brian McDermott has named an unchanged 19-man squad for Saturday's Rugby League World Cup match against France.

This is despite a 30-12 defeat by Tonga in their opening game which has put England's chances of progression to the semi-finals in danger.

AJ Brimson retains his place at full-back in the XIII with Jack Welsby among the interchanges.

McDermott has kept faith in his players as they prepare for Saturday's Group B-C match in Perth (kick-off 07.35 BST).

England men: AJ Brimson, Dom Young, Hugo Savala, Herbie Farnworth, Zach Eckersley, George Williams, Harry Smith, Max King, Brad O'Neill, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Kai Pearce-Paul, Victor Radley.

Interchange: Jez Litten, Ben Currie, Ethan Havard, Sam Walters, Jack Welsby, Matty Ashton.

Source: BBC Sport