England coach Shaun Wane says nobody gave his team “a chance” against Samoa, but their 60-6 thrashing has proved the critics wrong.
England ran in 10 tries in a slaying of Toa Samoa.
Before the match much had been made of the NRL stars the Polynesian outfit had been able to select for the World Cup.
“Without sounding arrogant, we did some very good things but there are improvements in us, without any shadow of a doubt in my mind,” Wane said.
“We had it rammed down our throats about what Samoa were going to do to us and I know nobody gave us a chance, but we have a really tight team spirit and we knew what we could do.
“We enjoyed all that negativity to be honest and I’m not on social media so I don’t hear lots of things but I know what people were saying about us.
“I can’t give my lads enough credit today and I’m just really pleased for them.”
Winger Dom Young scored two tries in an impressive display in Newcastle.
😆 Some stare down!
🏴 #EnglandRL pic.twitter.com/VqIsOvlkiU
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) October 15, 2022
“A lot of people over here probably haven’t seen too much of me, with me being in Australia,” Young said.
“But every time I step on the field, I try and do what’s best for the team and work hard.
“Luckily I got a bit of space today and could show what I was about. every time I get out there, I just try and do my best and put in 100 per cent and that’s what I want to do for the team.
“It was a dream come true to be honest, I couldn’t really have imagined that start before the game.
“To have all my family and friends watching it live, it’s a dream come true.”
Young and Elliot Whitehead each bagged a brace, while Tommy Makinson kicked 10 goals.
The Newcastle Knights winger says he is out to get better as the tournament continues.
“There are always things to improve on,” Young said.
“That’s what I’ll look at tomorrow to see where I can get better. There is always more to give.
“I’m the kind of player that’s never happy, never satisfied. I always want to be the best version of myself and want more from myself.
“I don’t mind that from Shaun.”
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