England Hand Ashton Wing Spot for Must-Win France Clash in Late Squad Tweak

England's Rugby League World Cup hopes received a small jolt of selection news on Thursday, with coach Brian McDermott confirming one late change to the side that will face France in Perth on Saturday. Warrington Wolves winger Matty Ashton comes into the 13-man lineup, replacing Wigan Warriors winger Zach Eckersley in the only alteration from the team thrashed 30-12 by Tonga in the tournament opener.

McDermott stressed the switch had nothing to do with Eckersley's performance against the Tongans, insisting he simply wanted to look at other players ahead of a game England must win — and win convincingly — to keep any realistic chance of reaching the semi-finals alive. The coach called the two wingers "like-for-like," praising both for strong Super League seasons.

Ashton will make his Rugby League World Cup debut against the French, who were hammered 78-4 by Samoa in their own opener and have reshuffled heavily, with Toulouse playmaker Thomas Lacans promoted to five-eighth. England sit in danger of a historic early exit: with only two semi-final spots available across their six-team pool and one defeat already on the board, anything less than two big wins — starting in Perth on Saturday — will end their campaign. France held Samoa within reach early before collapsing; McDermott has warned his side against chasing points and tripping up against a wounded opponent.