England thumped 30-12 by Tonga in Rugby League World Cup opener as Pacific Islanders claim stunning win

Brian McDermott's reign as England head coach got off to a dismal start as Isaiya Katoa inspired Tonga to a famous victory in Perth.

Half-back Katoa provided the precision behind Tonga's powerful forward pack. He proved the difference between the teams during a physical first half, creating a try for Stefano Utoikamanu and kicking three goals to give Tonga a 10-0 half-time lead.

England had their moments in attack despite a scoreless first half and AJ Brimson got them back into the contest with a well-worked score but two Tonga tries in three minutes, followed by another Katoa penalty, left them trailing 24-6 with 19 minutes remaining.

Dom Young's 63rd-minute try gave England hope but Haumole Olakau'atu's second try, again created by Katoa, condemned them to a chastening defeat.

England are back in Perth next Saturday where they will be expected to defeat France, but there will be plenty to ponder before then.

Their struggles under the high ball will be a concern for McDermott, with Zach Eckersley constantly targeted by Katoa during a blood-and-thunder first half.

England did enjoy plenty of possession and territory during the opening period, with George Williams and Hugo Savala both denied just shy of the tryline, but they were living on the edge at the other end and were carved open on 24 minutes.

Katoa, who lost half-back partner Latu Fainu to injury early on, received the ball in space and drew in two defenders before putting Utoikamanu through a gap to break the deadlock.

Katoa converted and slotted another kick two minutes later after Harry Smith obstructed the ever-dangerous Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.

Savala was again denied by a huge hit from Jojo Fifita while Herbie Farnworth was caught high as he charged for the line. England failed to capitalise from the penalty and things got worse for Farnworth when he was pinged for tripping Watene-Zelezniak as he again chased a Katoa kick on top of Eckersley.

Katoa's penalty made it 10-0 at the break.

England needed an early response after the restart and they got just that as another strong run from Young saw Williams and Savala put Brimson away, with Savala converting to cut arrears to four.

But they shipped a second try when Olakau'atu poked a toe at Katoa's blocked grubber, the ball ricocheting back into the path of the second rower, and Tolutau Koula bagged a third three minutes later after an inch-perfect grubber from ex-Huddersfield Giant Tui Lolohea.

Katoa converted from the touchline and added a penalty to make it 24-6, only for England to immediately hit back as Williams and Savala again combined to tee up Young.

However, any hopes of a comeback were quickly quashed as more magic from Katoa created a second try for Olakau'atu.

England are left requiring wins against France and Papua New Guinea in their remaining pool games, plus a favour or two elsewhere, if they are to reach the knockout stages.

England must regroup ahead of facing France in Perth next Saturday, kick-off 7.35am (UK and Ireland time).