England lost to Tonga in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup, with head coach Brian McDermott stating that he can correct the errors that led to the defeat. McDermott, in his first match in charge following his appointment in April, oversaw the side.
Tongans took the lead for the first time in seven meetings. Haumole Olakau'atu scored the fourth try for Tonga, while the first try for England was scored by AJ Brimson. McDermott selected the pair of Harry Smith and George Williams, with AJ Brimson given the nod over Jack Welsby at full-back. England had not played a warm-up match ahead of the tournament, and this was their first match since a defeat to Australia at Headingley in November 2025.
McDermott told the press after the match: 'You cannot play freely at international level; you must keep hold of the ball.' He added that England must win their next two matches, and that he would 'review' options regarding selection. England play France next Saturday, with Papua New Guinea to follow on 30 October. If England win, the results elsewhere become a factor, and their fate may not be known until two days later, when Tonga play Samoa.
Captain George Williams stated: 'We lost our way, we were inconsistent, we must find the balance to improve the team.' He added: 'We must not complain. We have a great group of players, and one defeat does not change the way we think.' Dom Young, for his part, declared: 'We want to pick up some points. You know, we are good enough to do that.'
The World Cup is taking place from 15 October to 15 November in Australia, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand. In the combined B-C group, six nations are involved, with each team playing only against three opponents. The two best teams in the overall table advance to the semi-finals.
