ENGLAND winger Dom Young believes England executed their game plan perfectly in the 82-0 victory over France in Perth and he hopes they will have the opportunity to continue growing into the World Cup.
If they are to progress to the semi-finals England are relying on Tonga to beat Samoa on Sunday alongside a big win over Papua New Guinea in Wollongong, while achieving a points difference swing of 68.
Young scored a hat-trick of tries at HBF Park, as did Herbie Farnworth, as Brian McDermott’s side bounced back from the opening round’s defeat to Tonga.
Mikey Lewis was also on hand with a brace in Western Australia, while Matty Ashton, George Williams, Victor Radley, Jez Litten, Jack Welsby and AJ Brimson were all on the scoresheet as well.
“Every time I pull on this jersey, it’s an honour for me, and getting over the try line makes it even better – so hat-tricks are always nice,” Young said.
“I was just doing my job and getting on the end of the boys’ hard work.
“France came out pretty strong and it was grinding for that first 20 minutes, but the way we executed the game plan was pleasing, so I’m already looking forward to next week.
“There was no hiding away from the fact that we needed to score the points, but we had to do the hard yards first to earn the right to play – we did that, and it was a good game from the boys.
“We didn’t have too much time to get the combinations flowing (pre-tournament), and Tonga was a big challenge to get everything ticking straightaway. But everyone could see the combinations today, and our attack was really good.
“It’s a good experience for the boys out here, Australia is a nice place, but it’s also good to have my family coming out here to watch me.
“That’s what it’s all about, representing where you come from. I’m a proud English guy, and even though I’m living out here, it doesn’t make a difference to the honour and pride I have in pulling on this jersey.”
Young is aware of the huge score that England need to run up against Papua New Guinea this Friday if they are to retain a chance of reaching the semi-finals.
“It’s out of our hands, we can only control what we can control, and that’s next week against PNG,” Young added.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge. PNG are a good team, but I’m confident we can do a job there.
“Hopefully next week isn’t our last game. But either way I’ve had a great time with the boys. We want to make the semis and do something special.”
