England cruised into the quarter-finals of the Rugby League World Cup with a 42-18 win over France in Bolton.

The tournament hosts produced a statement of intent in the opening game last week, thrashing a well-fancied Samoa side 60-6.

Shaun Wane's men did not have it as easy this time, with France going into half-time just 18-12 behind after they responded to a double from Ryan Hall and a Luke Thompson score with tries from Arthur Mourgue and Eloi Pelissier.

But the fightback was quelled emphatically in the second half.

 See you in the quarter-finals

England blow France away in the second half to secure their place in the knockouts. #RLWC2021 | #ENGFRA pic.twitter.com/mgrz2BQit2

— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) October 22, 2022

John Bateman sent Elliott Whitehead over before Victor Radley dotted down from an Andy Ackers grubber kick.

A double from winger Dom Young made the final score more impressive, his second a length-of-the-field interception try that sealed England's progression to the knockout rounds in style.

Arthur Romano had the final say with a consolation for France, whose hopes of going through to the last eight will almost certainly hinge on them beating Samoa a week on Sunday.

England finish their group stage campaign against tournament debutants Greece a day earlier.