England score incredible 10 tries in opening match of World Cup
Kallum Watkins, Herbie Farnworth, Elliott Whitehead (2), Tommy Makinson, George Williams and Tom Burgess all scored in second half
Dominic Young scored twice with superb finishes as England led 18-6 at half-time
England's Jack Welsby claimed first try
43,199 fans at St James’ Park in Newcastle
England v Samoa (14:30 BST)
Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport at St James' Park
Kaiser Chiefs are the headline act before kick-off.
Tell you what, if England lose today I'm predicting a riot in Newcastle.
Fans might even love the team less and less by next Saturday's game against France.
(Sorry)
Image source, BBC SportThe tournament welcome has just started.
The Kaiser Chiefs are playing!
BBC One, now.
England v Samoa (14:30 BST)
England head coach Shaun Wane has been speaking to Dave Woods on BBC One:
"I am looking forward to the challenge. We have a talented bunch of 24 and you have to have trained really well to make the 17.
"It's going to be tough and we will be into them. Samoa are a great team but I have some good players who compete, are aggressive and we can go toe-to-toe with them all the way."
Image source, Getty Images
James Graham
Former England forward on BBC One
The international game has never been in a stronger position. We need to keep building.
England v Samoa (14:30 BST)
Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport at St James' Park
Image source, BBC SportSJP is filling up and the England players have just trotted out to warm-up.
It's a gloriously crisp Autumn afternoon in Newcastle and the key factor is that is it dry with no rain in sight.
The kicking of George Williams from scrum half will be crucial today but with four forwards on the bench, you can boss Shaun Wane is expecting a very physical game.
England v Samoa (14:30 BST)
RugBee the mascot...
Insert your own "England will hope to be buzzing/flying/not stung at full-time" joke.
Image source, Getty ImagesOnly 30 minutes left to go now. It's so nearly here.
England v Samoa (14:30 BST)
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Sam: Anyone who thinks England are favourites is mad, Samoa by at least 12+, unreal team.
Agree with Sam?
England v Samoa (14:30 BST)
Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport at St James' Park
Image source, BBC Sport
Image source, BBC SportI arrived in Newcastle on Friday and took a walk around the city and there was a buzz of anticipation around.
Finishing touches were being put on the fanzone on Quayside where you can test your straight line speed, as well as ball throwing accuracy.
I even saw England forwards Tom Burgess and Victor Radley riding electric scooters across a bridge.
Only one thing was crossing my mind, please don't fall off or I'd be writing a 'Player out of World Cup with freak injury' piece.
Image source, BBC SportYou'll have to believe me when I say that's Victor Radley (left) and Tom Burgess (right) on those scooters
England v Samoa (14:30 BST)
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England v Samoa (14:30 BST)
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer England scrum-half Rob Burrow will be the guest of honour at St James' Park today.
Burrow was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a degenerative condition affecting nerves in the brain and spinal cord, in 2019.
"It's going to be a thrill," he said.
"It's an honour to get the tournament welcome under way and join my family and my friend Kev [Kevin Sinfield] for the opening celebrations.
"This tournament is going to be like no other so to be there in Newcastle for that opening game should be an unbelievable occasion."
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England v Samoa (14:30 BST)
Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport at St James' Park
Image source, BBC SportThis was the scene outside the ground earlier when the England team arrived.
A number of fans had gathered to watch the players step off the coach, with Dominic Young - earning his first cap today - the first man out.
The winger plays for Newcastle Knights in the NRL, but does he have any links to the north east of England?
“My mum’s side of the family are all from Newcastle,” he said.
“It’s kind of weird really, especially when I’m in Newcastle in Australia – and a lot of the suburbs have similar names as well.
“They’re all Geordies, all proud United fans, and I’ve been to the stadium a few times.
“It’s massive, and it’s going to be a great atmosphere – you know what English fans are like.”
Image source, BBC Sport
Jamie Peacock
Former England captain on BBC One
England should win this one for me. But it will be close.
Robbie Hunter-Paul
Former New Zealand international on BBC One
For the first time Samoa are competitive and could win this.
They have the strength in depth. They have the glue through the middle to really challenge England.
Personally, this match is too close to call, but I might sway towards England.
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England v Samoa (14:30 BST)
Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport at St James' Park
Image source, BBC SportThe toss has just taken place here between the two captains.
Samoa's Junior Paulo looked to have called correctly as he was the one pointing towards the Gallowgate.
Not sure whether that means they'll be kicking towards or from that famous end.
We'll find out soon enough.
England v Samoa (14:30 BST)
Image source, Getty ImagesI wrote a piece on Samoa potentially being favourites for this match a few days ago.
Not gonna lie lads, I am super nervous about this one.
England v Samoa (14:30 BST)
Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport at St James' Park
So 357 days later than originally planned, the Rugby League World Cup finally gets under way here in Newcastle.
It's a mouthwatering opener at St James' Park featuring hosts England and an extremely powerful and skilful Samoa side, which features seven players from the NRL Grand Final one that actually starts as favourites.
I asked head coach Matt Parish which way the upset would be - Samoa beating England or England beating Samoa.
He laughed at first before replying, "Definitely Samoa beating England, it's never happened before."
The mind games are well and truly on.
Well said Dave!