England new second-favourites to win Rugby League World Cup

Josh McAllister
England Rugby League World Cup

Following their impressive 46-6 victory over Papua New Guinea in the quarter-finals, England are now second-favourites to win the Rugby League World Cup. 

Reigning champions Australia remain favourites, having booked their spot in the semi-finals with a 48-4 triumph over Lebanon in Huddersfield.

Mal Meninga’s side will face New Zealand in the next stage of the competition. The Kiwis were given a scare in Hull on Saturday night, with Fiji leading for the majority of the game.

Michal Maguire’s side were behind for 62 minutes of the match. However, Jordan Rapana’s penalty conversion and a later try in the dying minutes secured a desperate 24-18 win.

The Bati did create an upset at the last tournament in 2017, defeating New Zealand 4-2 in Wellington at the same stage before losing to the Kangaroos.

New Zealand, the #1 ranked team, are third favourites and as big as 7/1 to win the competition.

England’s route to the Rugby League World Cup final

Shaun Wane’s England will face the winner of Samoa or Tonga next Saturday in the semi-finals at Emirates Stadium, London.

Big-hitters Tonga and Samoa meet on Sunday afternoon in Warrington, with the former slight favourites heading into the much-anticipated clash.

Meanwhile, the Kiwis face Australia on Friday at Leeds United’s Elland Road.

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