England will only really know next weekend whether this record-breaking result means anything, but on an afternoon when not only a win but a convincing victory would keep their hopes of reaching the World Cup semi-finals alive, this was a case of job done for Brian McDermott and his side.

With the shortened and controversial group stage format meaning just one defeat is near-ruinous, even the head coach broke ranks this week and admitted England’s chances of qualification are slim at best after the 30-12 loss to Tonga on the opening weekend . Samoa’s big 64-6 win against Papua New Guinea earlier on Saturday meant the permutations became simple but daunting. Samoa beat France 78-4 last week, giving them a plus-132 points differential; England, now have a plus-64 points differential.

The teams take to the field at HBF Park in Perth. England did enough to keep their flag flying. Photograph: Richard Wainwright/EPA

Above all, England need a favour from Tonga against Samoa next Sunday.…