England overcame a tough challenge as they muscled their way to a 22-18 win over Tonga
A Tom Johnstone brace, as well as tries from Mikey Lewis, Toby King and were enough to edge past the tourists in a physical encounter at St Helens.
The sides now move onto the John Smith’s Stadium next week, with England hoping to clinch the series with a win in West Yorkshire.
Here are our England player ratings from todays game:
1: Jack Welsby-7
The new England captain showed glimpses of his usual brilliance in the first half, but had a much better second half. He put in a lovely pass to send Tom Johnstone over and defended well.
2: Tommy Makinson-6
The St Helens man put in an industrious display. Some strong carrying from the winger and he threatened to burst through the line at points.
3: Toby King-7
Scored the first try and some solid work all round from the Wigan Warriors man
4: Harry Newman-6
Decent debut from the Leeds Rhinos player and will only improve as he gets more time at this level.
5: Tom Johnstone-8
A good showing from the Catalans winger. Put in a great cover tackle to deny Tonga a chance to score in the first half and more importantly got two tries in the second 40.
6: Mikey Lewis-9
Took to the international stage like a duck to water. His break set up the first try and he also got one of his own in a Man of the Match display. George Williams will have a fight on his hands for the six shirt in the third test on this showing.
7: Harry Smith-7
Kicked his goals well, and more importantly combined with Lewis in the halves. His out of hand kicking was again brilliant and caused plenty of problems for the Tonga defence.
8: Tom Burgess-6
Some strong hit-ups in the middle, exactly what you want from your prop forward. Put in a lot of effort in defence too against a big Tongan pack.
9: Daryl Clark-7
Looked sharp around the ruck and made some important breaks to kickstart some attacking sets for his side.
10: Matty Lees-6
Busied himself in the middle against a strong Tongan pack and brought plenty of physicality on both sides of the ball.
11: John Bateman-6
A decent showing from the Wests Tigers man. Crucially kept the play alive in the build up to Mikey Lewis’ try; and got through plenty of work.
12: Elliott Whitehead-7
Solid again from the Canberra Raiders player. Grew into the game too and had a much busier second half.
13: Victor Radley-6
A quieter showing from the Sydney Roosters forward. Got through some good work though.
INTERCHANGES
14: Danny Walker-6
A short stint for the Warrington Wolves player, but he did well with what he was given.
15: Morgan Knowles-6
A physical showing on his home ground, especially in defence; but didn’t set the pitch alight.
16: Chris Hill-6
A good display from the Huddersfield Giants prop, did his role well through the middle.
17: Mike McMeeken-7
McMeeken put in a good shift on both sides of the ball, and made some notable carries in the second half.
