Rugby League World Cup: England 42-18 France

England booked their place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a comfortable victory over France.

The Warriors have two wins from two games and have a points difference of +78 at the top of the group.

They will aim for a flawless passage to the knockout stages when they play Greece in their final group game.

Ryan Hall scored two tries in the first 11 minutes, finishing off swift team moves into the corner and adding a third try.

France responded after their poor start. The first try of the game was scored by Eloi Pelissier after Arthur Mourgue's grubber kick went through his legs.

There were two tries in the second half, one of which was a long-distance try by Dominic Young.

France was able to score a consolation goal late on.

England showcase second half surge

England claimed their 21st consecutive victory against France by defeating them for the 32nd time.

The French, who will host the World Cup in 25 years, defeated Greece in their first game but England ran away with the contest in the second period.

Hall scored twice in the first 11 minutes, converting through passes from Sneyd and Farnworth, to win his first Test cap.

Hall is now the third highest scoring player of all time on the international stage with 37 tries for England.

Thompson scored after a line break from the brilliant Radley.

England's sloppy play was punished by France with Toulouse hooker Pelissier touching down to stun the home support.

The fear of a huge upset was allayed early in the second period when Whitehead converted his second try of the tournament from John Bateman's kick through.

Young's second try of the game came after an intercept deep inside his own half, and he has four tries in the competition.

England will not reach the last eight due to an extraordinary set of circumstances.

A victory against Greece on Sunday will be followed by a win against France next Sunday.

England includes Tomkins, Young, Watkins, Farnworth, Hall, Sneyd, Williams, and McIlorum.

Welsby, Oledzki and Thompson were added.

France has Escare, Jullien, Langi, and Mourgue.

The replacements were Springer, Sangare, and Le Cam.

The referee is Australian.