By Karim Hammam
England's Rugby League World Cup campaign is all but over after a 34-12 victory over Papua New Guinea in Wollongong failed to deliver the massive winning margin required to overtake Samoa on points difference.
Strong Start Not Enough
Coach Brian McDermott's side raced to a 22-0 lead inside 22 minutes with tries from Matty Ashton, AJ Brimson, Dom Young and Harry Smith, but could not sustain the tempo needed to bridge the gap.
Second-Half Collapse
Papua New Guinea regrouped after the break, scoring through Dudley Dotoi and London Broncos winger Gairo Voro, while England's error count rose and momentum evaporated.
Late Tries Only Consolation
Morgan Knowles and Mikey Lewis crossed late to finalise the scoreline, but the result leaves England needing Tonga to beat Samoa by at least 46 points on Sunday to reach the semi-finals.
