England need miracle to stay in World Cup after failing to crush Papua New Guinea

England's Rugby League World Cup campaign is effectively over after they beat Papua New Guinea 34-12 in their final Pool B group stage game in Wollongong, but failed to secure the required winning margin. Brian McDermott's side needed a massive points swing to overturn a 68-point deficit against Samoa, but their 22-point victory means they now need Tonga to beat Samoa by 46 points to advance to the semi-finals. The result also came on the same day England's women's side exited the tournament, marking a dire day for English rugby league.