England thump France in wheelchair international

England scored 11 converted tries to earn a crushing 66-33 win against France in their wheelchair rugby league international in Wigan.

Rob Hawkins scored a hat-trick and was named player of the match, while Mason Billington grabbed two tries on his debut.

Nathan Collins made all of his conversion attempts and was hugely influential with ball in hand as the world champions outplayed France.

The visitors scored five tries and a drop-goal but lacked the fluency to put England under sustained pressure.

The two sides, who contested the last World Cup final in 2022, renew their rivalry in Normandy next month.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, Hawkins said the hosts are the "most connected" squad.

"I got player of the match but those tries were all set up by the team," said Hawkins.

"We are undoubtedly the most connected team in the world. There is no-one that can top us.

"Whenever something happens we are all around protecting each other.

"We look forward to a few weeks' time and hopefully we can win again."