England moved closer to an early exit from the Rugby League World Cup after a 34-12 victory over Papua New Guinea that, according to BBC News, will almost certainly prove insufficient for England to advance. The BBC described the match as "chaotic and error-strewn," and reported that England had failed to secure a win big enough to move on.
Before that match, The Guardian reported that England needed a 68-point swing in their final group games to qualify for the semi-finals. The paper noted that England lost their opening group game to Tonga, which left them in a difficult position in the standings.
England head coach Brian McDermott urged his side to keep their nerve, The Guardian reported, saying: "It's a difficult situation to negotiate." The paper said England would attempt to hold up their end of the bargain on Friday.
The Guardian's report was written by Aaron Bower and published on October 29, according to its timestamp. The BBC's report was published on October 30.
Neither report gives a final ruling on England's qualification. The BBC's summary says the win will almost certainly prove insufficient, but it does not describe an official decision. The sources also do not include the results of the other group matches, so the full picture of England's position is not stated in either report.
Sources: The Guardian: England urged to hold nerve as Rugby League World Cup hopes hang by a thread; BBC News: England on brink of Rugby League World Cup exit after failing to notch big enough win over PNG.