England 94-4 Greece Player Ratings: Salford Red Devils star gives Shaun Wane food for thought as Warrington Wolves man continues fine form

England ran in 16 tries to batter Greece 94-4 today in the biggest win of the World Cup.

However, despite the comprehensive nature of the win, there was still plenty to pick up on for Shaun Wane in the way his side performed from start to finish especially as he tested out new combinations.

2 Tommy Makinson – 7
Not in his natural position, fans expected to see Jack Welsby at fullback and though Makinson doesn’t posses the same skills as Welsby, he was a strong runner from back field to start sets off well and was a danger in space. Another option for Wane should injuries arise. He’ll have enjoyed his second try of the World Cup too after which he was given a rest.

14 Dom Young – 9
A try scoring machine. It’s easy to right off his first two tries but he showed great positional awareness hugging the touchline waiting for the chances to come. His this try was one that he had no right to score and showed his strength. Also, don’t underappreciate his ability to get England on the front foot with kick returns.

6 Jack Welsby – 8
Like Makinson at fullback, this showed Wane that he has another strong option in how to arrange his line up. It was perhaps feared we wouldn’t see the best of him at centre, but he constantly cut back on the inside and showed some touches of class to create the first and last tries of the first half. Underlined his versatility with a stint at fullback.

24 Kai Pearce-Paul – 7
Caught out for Greece’s try, perhaps an indicator he would be more at home in the back row. His figure made him a threat to Greece and he made amends with two assists in the first half and a try in the second half.

5 Ryan Hall – 8
After missing a few opportunities in the first few minutes, Hall showed his speed and strength to capitalise on a Marc Sneyd kick to score in the first half. That also saw him become a stronger force coming out of his own end which is something he is often one of the best at. Got a second try in the second half.

21 Marc Sneyd – 9
Some lovely touches to create tries for Matty Lees and Ryan Hall in the first half and his kicking game improved to reach the outstanding levels we know it can. Took his own try well and registered another assist for Burgess bettered by his ball for Hall’s second.

7 George Williams – 9
Pulled the strings , his finger tips were all over most of England’s tries and he got himself a deserved try on the stroke of halftime. Not long after the break, his bust up the field helped lead to a try for Marc Sneyd. Some moments of sheer brilliance and a good outing for the skipper.

17 Mike Cooper – 7
Steady away at the most difficult juncture in a game for a prop the start. Those who came on after him reaped the benefits.

19 Andy Ackers – 8
Had constant joy when he ran out of dummyhalf and was a real threat. It is another weapon in Shaun Wane’s growing arsenal proven by a lovely brace of tries in the second half.

16 Matty Lees – 7
Hit a lovely line to score the game’s opening try and like Cooper was a strong force at the start of the game.

22 Joe Batchelor – 7
Typically grafted but most of the fun was had over on the opposite side of the field. Moved to centre to allow Makinson a rest and Welsby to take over at fullback. Ryan Hall may want a word with him after he didn’t pass to him after a break away up field.

12 John Bateman – 8
Bateman benefitted from that focus on the right with a lovely assist for Young’s try and he and Williams combined masterfully. Again just adding to the attacking weapons England have.

13 Victor Radley – 7
Got through some good work in the first half as you’d expect. Picked up a knock.

Substitutes

15 Morgan Knowles – 7
Came on and started to bust holes in Greece’s tiring defence. Showed his skill with the pass which helped lead to Young’s fourth.

20 Mike McMeeken – 7
Came on and kept things going for England and helped himself to a try.

8 Tom Burgess – 9
Absolutely devastating when he came on best summed up through his first try but throughout the game he punched holes through Greece and also hit lines through gaps as he did to score his second.

18 Chris Hill – 8
Great support to play his part in Williams’ try and was a strong runner off the bench.