Rugby League World Cup 2026: How to Watch England vs. France
A crucial showdown for both teams in Perth
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup continues at Perth Stadium as England takes on France. This fixture is critical for both sides, particularly for England following their unexpected and heavy defeat to Tonga in the tournament opener. ## Match Expectations and Lineups England, led by head coach Brian McDermott, is focused solely on victory to keep their semi-final hopes alive. After a 30-12 loss to Tonga, the team has no room for error. The coach has opted against making changes, fielding the same starting lineup as the previous match. France is also in a difficult position after a 78-4 thrashing by Samoa. Head coach Laurent Frayssinous has adjusted his squad, with Thomas Lacans entering the starting lineup and Romeo Tropis taking a central position. Captain Ben Garcia will continue to lead the side. ## How to Watch the Match Live The match takes place on October 24. Fans across the globe can watch the action via various platforms. In Australia, the match is broadcast for free on the Seven Network and its streaming service, 7plus. In the US and Canada, the match is exclusive to Premier Sports, where viewers can purchase a full tournament package. In the UK, the game is available on Premier Sports 1, while in New Zealand, Sky Sport NZ will provide coverage. Notably, fans traveling outside their home countries often use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access their domestic television services. VPN technology allows users to appear as though they are browsing from their home country, effectively bypassing geographical restrictions. ## Why This Match Matters Historically, England and France have met 53 times, with England winning 44 and France winning 7. Their last encounter in June 2024 saw England secure a convincing 40-8 victory. Despite the historical statistics, both teams are fighting to restore their reputations in this World Cup. England requires maximum points to reach the semi-finals, while France aims to deliver a respectable performance following their opening-round collapse.