We were not underprepared for World Cup, says England's O'Neill

England's Brad O'Neill has dismissed the suggestion they were underprepared for their Rugby League World Cup campaign as they bid to start salvaging it with an unchanged team against France.

Wigan Warriors hooker Brad O'Neill will feature again for England against France

England are under pressure - and in huge danger of missing out on a semi-final spot - after losing last Saturday's opening match 30-12 to Tonga, but head coach Brian McDermott has kept faith with the same 19-man squad.

McDermott's side have had a tight turnaround for the tournament - the Tonga match was just 14 days after the 2026 Super League Grand Final, with England flying out to Australia 10 days before the game.

They did not play a warm-up match - and so went into the game having not played a single international fixture since losing to Australia in Headingley in November last year.

Defeat by Tonga came in McDermott's first match in charge since being appointed in April, and O'Neill said they are "new team" and "those little things should come together".

Source: BBC Sport