Matty Ashton Expects Improved France Defence in World Cup Clash Perth 2026

Key Points

• Warrington Wolves winger Matty Ashton comes into England’s starting lineup for the Rugby League World Cup match against France.
• Head coach Brian McDermott brings in Ashton for Wigan Warriors player Zach Eckersley to look at different squad options.
• England head into the game following a 30-12 loss to Tonga in Perth.
• McDermott noted the tournament’s tight structure, stating that England need a strong performance against France to stay in the hunt for group progression.
• France aim to bounce back after a 78-4 defeat to Samoa in their opening match.

Pert (Oxford Daily) October 23, 2026 — Warrington Wolves winger Matty Ashton has been promoted to England’s starting lineup for Saturday’s critical Rugby League World Cup tie against France, with head coach Brian McDermott electing to rotate his backline following an opening group defeat.

Ashton replaces Wigan Warriors player Zach Eckersley on the wing. The national side requires a convincing victory in Perth to maintain their hopes of qualifying from the group stage after falling 30-12 to Tonga in their opening fixture.

Why Has Brian McDermott Made Changes to the England Lineup?

As reported by totalrl.com, head coach Brian McDermott stated that “We’ve put Matty Ashton on the wing and Zach Eckersley comes out of the 13,” explaining that the change was intended to give the coaching staff an opportunity to assess player options across the squad.

McDermott praised Eckersley’s contribution during the opening match against Tonga, noting that the young player carried the ball in tough positions despite bobbling a high catch during the game.

“We’ve put Matty Ashton on the wing and Zach Eckersley comes out of the 13. I thought Zach was good, he had a moment where he bobbled a ball on a high catch but I was impressed with how he handled that. He carried it in tough positions for us and I was impressed. But I need to have a look at a few people so Matty goes on the wing this week.” — Brian McDermott, England Head Coach

The adjustment represents the sole change to England’s starting 13 following their initial hit-out against Tonga. As reported by Sky Sports, loose forward Luke Thompson starts in place of Morgan Knowles due to injury, while Mikey Lewis returns to the substitutes’ bench as part of the six-man interchange allowance permitted under tournament rules.

How Are England Preparing for the Defensive Challenge Against France?

As reported by Warrington Guardian, Matty Ashton stated that “A couple of moments let us down on the day but overall, we think it was a great performance,” adding that “We’ve got some exciting players in this side and I can’t wait to play with them” as he steps up to feature on the wing.

Ashton emphasized that England are anticipating a far more resolute defensive display from France compared to their opening match.

France enter the contest looking to bounce back after a heavy 78-4 defeat against Samoa. Despite France’s initial setback, the English squad is treating the match with caution, expecting an aggressive baseline defensive effort as France seek to restore pride on the international stage.

“A couple of moments let us down on the day but overall, we think it was a great performance. We’ve got some exciting players in this side and I can’t wait to play with them.” — Matty Ashton, England Winger

What Impact Does the Tournament Format Have on England’s World Cup Progression?

As reported by Wigan Today, head coach Brian McDermott stated that “There’s still a slim chance that we get through, and that’s something we’re focusing on, and we’re really determined,” describing the partial cross-group system as a challenging environment for competing teams.

The 10-team men’s tournament format means that competition across the group stages carries high stakes, with little margin for error following an initial loss.

McDermott noted the contrasting positions between pools, pointing out that other top nations have additional opportunities to recover from early losses. England must secure a decisive result against France to maximize their points quotient and preserve their chances of reaching the knockout rounds.

Background of the Development

The current Rugby League World Cup structure was adjusted following France’s withdrawal from hosting the tournament in 2023, leading to a condensed 10-team format held in Australia.

The restructured schedule brought together nations across specialized group formats, creating heightened pressure during early round-robin encounters.

England entered the tournament following a short preparation window in Australia, arriving in Perth after extensive long-distance travel. The coaching staff led by Brian McDermott focused on building team cohesion during limited training sessions ahead of their opening fixture against Tonga.

The subsequent selection of Matty Ashton reflects an ongoing strategy to balance tactical consistency with tactical assessments across the backline.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Rugby League Supporters and Squad Dynamics

The inclusion of Matty Ashton on the wing provides England with added speed and dynamic finishing capabilities along the flank, which could prove decisive in breaking down France’s defensive structure.

For supporters following England’s campaign, a strong performance in Perth would restore momentum and clarify the qualification pathways heading into the remaining group fixtures.

Conversely, any unexpected lapse against France would place severe pressure on England’s tournament standing. For the wider international audience, the match serves as an indicator of whether England’s squad depth and tactical adjustments can overcome early scheduling and result setbacks under high-pressure World Cup conditions.