England's Rugby League World Cup hopes are left in tatters after a 30-12 defeat by Tonga
England's men lost 30-12 to Tonga in the Rugby League World Cup on Saturday 17 October, according to the Guardian's pool results panel for Pools B and C. The Guardian said the defeat left England's hopes of reaching the knockout stages in tatters. England's women beat Wales 70-6 the same day. Five outlets in the feed carried the men's result. The reports reviewed do not give try-scorers, attendance or the remaining fixtures.
A heavy pool defeat at a home tournament turns the remaining games into must-win ones for the men and leaves them relying on other results. Supporters who bought tickets for later rounds, and sponsors tied to a deep England run, are the people most exposed.
Check the official tournament table and remaining fixture list before planning travel for a knockout game, because the qualification route depends on results not yet played. If you hold tickets for a match that may no longer feature England, read the organisers' refund and exchange terms.
Losing 12-30 is the sort of result that makes a coach's plan look like a hope. The women's 70-6 win the same day is the reminder that the sport is not short of English talent, only of results in the right fixture.
DailyDrop U.K. edition No. 14 · Morning · SUN., OCT. 18, 2026