England to face France before New Zealand series

England beat France 34-6 in the 2013 World Cup quarter-finals

England will prepare for their autumn international series against New Zealand with a friendly at home to France on Saturday, 24 October.

The match, at Leigh Sports Village in Manchester, will be the first meeting between the sides since England's 2013 World Cup quarter-final win.

England's three-match series against New Zealand starts on 1 November.

"This game gives us the opportunity to go through our plans before New Zealand," said coach Steve McNamara.

"France are a strong side and have some very talented players competing in Super League on a weekly basis, so the squad will be looking to impress ahead of that first game against the Kiwis."