Victory all but secures England's place in quarter-finals
Dominic Young scored twice in second half as England impressed again
Ryan Hall strolled over twice as England led France 18-12 at half-time
England's George Williams named man of the match
England hammered Samoa 60-6 in their opening match
Pool A match at University of Bolton Stadium
England 24-12 France
Elliott Whitehead is becoming something of a try-scoring machine for England - he has now scored six tries in his past seven internationals.
Meanwhile, France scramble to knock a Marc Sneyd kick out of play.
England 24-12 France
Jon Wilkin
Former England international on BBC Two
They needed a strong start and they got that. The majority of that set was people running laterally and waiting for the breaks.
Elliott Whitehead, goal Marc Sneyd
And England have it!
John Bateman goes on a wander, breaks through a tackle and sends Elliott Whitehead over.
A hint of a forward pass on the replay, but referee Gerard Sutton awards the try.
Rugby League World Cup: Elliott Whitehead extends England's lead further to 24-12
England 18-12 France
Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport at University of Bolton Stadium
"Next try is crucial," as they say in this sport.
England 18-12 France
A notable change to how England are lining up after the break - captain Sam Tomkins is having a breather and the versatile Jack Welsby, a star in the halves last week against Samoa, is in at full-back.
England 18-12 France
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England 18-12 France
Back under way.
HT: England 18-12 France
Jamie Peacock
Former England captain on BBC Two
England need to be ruthless like they were against Samoa.
If you look at the tries they conceded, this is not what England should be about. England were sloppy in a lot of things they did, with the ball and without it.
Ultimately this is a good test for England going forward.
Rob Burrow: Living with MND
While we have a break in the action in Bolton, let me turn your attention to a powerful documentary shown on BBC Two earlier this week - I’m not ashamed to admit that I shed a couple of tears watching “Rob Burrow: Living With MND” on Tuesday evening.
Having a look around social media afterwards, I know I wasn’t alone in that.
If you haven’t had chance to watch it yet, please do - it’s available now on the BBC iPlayer.
It’s a story of sadness and adversity, but also of hope, determination, positivity, dedication and love.
Rob and his wonderful family are inspirations to us all.
HT: England 18-12 France
Here's how France fought their way back to within six points of England...
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HT: England 18-12 France
Steve McNamara
Former England head coach on BBC Two
After 15 minutes it was flight or fright for France. But let's be honest, they've only been down this end two times. The key for the French side is how can they get more possession.
HT: England 18-12 France
Jamie Jones-Buchanan
Former England and Leeds second-rower on BBC Two
That's one of the fastest halves I've seen. Every time England play the ball they look dangerous. Gone are the conservative days, England are jumping the gun and recognising opportunities.
HT: England 18-12 France
Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport at University of Bolton Stadium
This one is closer than expected before the game.
And it looked like England were going to run away with it with three quick tries but France have clung on and scored with both of their two meaningful attacks.
An intriguing second half is in store, Shaun Wane will be laying into his players at the break.
The TV pictures from the England dressing room show an animated Shaun Wane talking to his players. "Must do better" is the message, I think.
HT: England 18-12 France
England captain Sam Tomkins, speaking on BBC Two:
"It was sloppy defence from ourselves that got them back in it. We changed how we defended, for the first 20 minutes we were dominant but then we went a little loose on that. They've got threats and they countered very well down our end."
France captain Ben Garcia:
"The score is close playing against a great team, but we have 40 minutes left and we'll give it everything. They started really strong but we are still in the game."
England 18-12 France
Herbie Farnworth's pass after a mazy run goes astray and that should be that for the first period - which it is.
Things looked VERY good for the first 25 minutes, but France have fought back well and we've got a contest on our hands.
England 18-12 France
Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport at University of Bolton Stadium
Marc Sneyd's last two kicks have been really poor, putting little pressure on that French back line.
Both were snaffled like a goalkeeper claiming a cross unchallenged.
England 18-12 France
France knock on 10 metres from their own line, a minute from half-time.
Chance for England before the break.
England 18-12 France
That's better from England in defence - much better line-speed and France have to kick from inside their own half.
England 18-12 France
Jon Wilkin
Former England international on BBC Two
Pelissier has made a real difference, he's created one or two openings as the game has sped up.
England 18-12 France
The TV feed focuses on Shaun Wane, who looks pretty angry in the stand.
Not shouting or screaming, just a facial expression that tells you everything you need to know.