England player ratings: Victor Radley leads way in big World Cup win over France
Fresh from a stunning win over Samoa, Shaun Wane's side were far too strong for the French in Bolton.
England will be guaranteed a place in the last eight if Samoa see off Greece as expected on Sunday.
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Hide AdThe talk before the game centred around whether the hosts could back up their stunning victory at St James' Park and they did not disappoint, one shaky period aside.
Ryan Hall extended his tryscoring record with a double inside the opening 12 minutes and England were in full control when Luke Thompson went over after classy play by Victor Radley.
But they were guilty of switching off in the period before half-time and were punished, Arthur Mourgue and Eloi Pelissier touching down to give France a sniff going into the interval.
Quickfire tries from Elliott Whitehead and Radley ended the game as a contest before Dom Young helped himself to a double to complete the rout.
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Hide AdArthur Romano scored a late consolation but France were well beaten in the end.
Here, The Yorkshire Post rates the England players.
Sam Tomkins: Steady outing for the skipper, who looked set to take the second half off before being reintroduced following an injury to Kallum Watkins. 7
Dom Young: Strong in general play and when chances came his way in the second half he did not disappoint, finishing off a break by Jack Welsby before going the length of the field in thrilling fashion. 8
Kallum Watkins: Has never looked stronger, running hard from the start before seeing his evening cut short by a head knock that will rule him out of next week's game against Greece. 7
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Hide AdHerbie Farnworth: A mixed bag from the young centre: strong and elusive in the main but he had errors in his game, the biggest leading to France's second try. 7
Ryan Hall: Took his record try haul to 37 in 39 games with an early double and showcased his power to keep England on the front foot, making more post-contact metres than any other player on show. 8
Marc Sneyd: Neat and tidy in general play and nailed all seven conversions but probably didn't do enough to force his way into Wane's strongest side. 7
George Williams: The half-back has well and truly rediscovered his mojo, orchestrating play from the start and coming up with some big plays when the game was in the balance. 8.5
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Hide AdTom Burgess: Typically strong carting the ball in but blotted his copybook in the dying minutes when he was sent to the sin bin following a flare-up. 7
Michael McIlorum: Put himself about during his time on the field before making way to give Andy Ackers his first taste of World Cup action. 7
Chris Hill: Good hands in the build-up to the first try and was solid throughout his time on the field. 7
Elliott Whitehead: Added to last week's double with a crucial try at the start of the second half but was guilty of a tired tackle that allowed France to score a late consolation. 7
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Hide AdJohn Bateman: Came up with a big play to lay on Whitehead's try and was industrious throughout with ball in hand while leading the way defensively. 8
Victor Radley: Another outstanding display from the loose forward who was everywhere on both sides of the ball, combining a tireless work ethic with strength and skill to leave France chasing shadows at times. 9
Substitutes
Jack Welsby: Produced an energetic performance to give Wane's side the lift they needed after half-time. 7
Mikolaj Oledzki: Got through a lot of work but has been left sweating over a potential ban after a cannonball tackle on Jordan Dezaria. 7
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Hide AdLuke Thompson: More game time this week and was arguably England's strongest prop, the highlight a second international try. 8
Andy Ackers: Lively around the ruck on his Test debut, putting in a neat kick for Radley's try. 7
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