England are braced to face a resurgent France when they fight to keep their slim Rugby League World Cup hopes alive in Perth on Saturday morning.

Brian McDermott’s men go into the game knowing their only realistic hope of reaching the semi-finals is a better points difference than Samoa – assuming Samoa lose to Tonga in their last group match next week.

A improbable scenario has been rendered more unlikely by Samoa’s thumping 78-4 win over France last week – and recalled England winger Matty Ashton admits they will be steeled against enduring a second straight washout scoreline.

Ashton, who will replace Zach Eckersley in the only change to McDermott’s starting 13, said: “We’ll expect a different France this week.

“We’re expecting a big defensive display. Any team that concedes 70-odd points is going to be focused on defence, so we’re expecting a tough, physical game.

“I don’t think anything changes in our process.…