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.

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.