England begin their Rugby World Cup campaign in Perth on Saturday against Tonga, with captain George Williams highlighting that the squad embraces the underdog role. "We will bring our game tomorrow night against a great team," Williams said, adding that Tonga has been an exceptionally strong side for several years.
England defeated Tonga 3-0 in a home test series three years ago, and in 2017 in Auckland, they progressed through a dramatic World Cup semi-final. However, the squad has suffered a blow due to the injury of Morgan Smithies, while a late change to the starting lineup has seen Luke Thompson replace the absent Morgan Knowles. Williams notes that the conditions here are different, with humidity above 60 per cent at HBF Park. "It is always different here, with the heat and different conditions. It helps when you drag them to Leeds and it is minus two or whatever it usually is in the cold," he added.
Tonga have progressed further since 2023 and are full of players from the NRL. "Tonga are full of world-class players, players who play all over the NRL," Williams said. England, despite this, are fully prepared and ready. "Most test matches start the same way, very physical, and that will not change this week in any match. Do not expect a crazy expansive style without limits, but we will throw in some things we have not done before," the captain said.
Williams (31) was part of the squad and captain when England lost 3-0 in the Ashes in 2025, which led to Brian McDermott being replaced by Shaun Wane at the head of the coaching staff. Despite this, Williams dismisses any idea that the burden of the past could hinder the current group. "I do not think it hinders us. Some lads talked about the last World Cup and that was probably one of the toughest defeats of my career so far. It remains and you cannot hide from what happened, but it can give you momentum and motivation," he said.
England are in a group with Australia and New Zealand, and it is expected that they will compete for the remaining two semi-final spots with Tonga, Samoa and Papua New Guinea from groups B and C, which will merge into a single six-team table. Williams highlighted that the preparation is different and pleasant, and the group has accepted the coach's demands. "Everyone has bought into what he wants us to do," he said. Williams is set to leave for the Dolphins and is eager to prove himself against his future club coach, Christian Welch, and future partner in the second row, Isaah Yeo.
England's women's team begin their World Cup campaign immediately before the men's match, against Wales in Perth in a game they must win. England thrashed the World Cup debutants 62-0 in August 2025, and in 2024 at Headingley achieved a record 82-0 victory against the same opponent. Wales have since strengthened, with second-rower Paige Travis, who switched allegiance from England, and Canterbury Bulldogs half-back Taylor Preston.
Captain Jodie Cunningham, who has been named on the bench for Saturday's match and is expected to play in her fourth World Cup, highlighted her knowledge of the opponents. "I have seen Paige Travis and Dani McGifford and my St Helens team-mates. I know all their strengths and how fantastic they are. We hope to come out as winners," she said. "The combinations are really starting to click now, so we are excited and everyone is ready." England are third in the world rankings, and will then play against reigning champions Australia and Samoa in an attempt to reach the semi-finals for a fifth time.
