Teams from the home nations have had a mixed time of things during the early part of the Rugby League World Cup.
Wales have found it tough in Group D, suffering defeats against the Cook Islands and Tonga in their first two matches.
By contrast, England have swept to the top of Group A courtesy of comprehensive victories over Samoa and France.
As highlighted by former England star Jamie Peacock before the tournament, most players view the World Cup as the pinnacle of rugby league.
That certainly seemed to be the case for Wales on Monday, as they produced a spirited first-half performance to put Tonga under pressure.
Kyle Evans’ excellent try put them ahead, but scores by Daniel Tupou, David Fifita and Keaon Koloamatangi put Tonga in control.
Tupou completed his hat-trick after the break, while Tesi Niu also got on the scoresheet to complete a stylish 32-6 victory for Tonga.
Despite the defeat, head coach John Kear was delighted with his team’s performance and paid tribute to the quality of their opponents.
“I don’t think it (the scoreline) does us justice,” he told the BBC. “The players are all heart aren’t they and you’ve got to take your hat off to them.
“They commit totally against a big, physical, good rugby league team and again I’m proud of them but we’ve lost, we’re in defeat but the resilience is tremendous.
“We’ve got to realise they’re the full-time outfit. We’re playing an NRL team – and a good NRL team – and that’s why I’m so pleased with our effort.”
Tonga are now well placed to claim top spot in the group and avoid a potential quarter-final meeting with England.
Shaun Wane’s side were hugely impressive in their opening game, recording an emphatic 60-6 success over Samoa.
Their opponents had been touted by several pundits as a team that could go a long way at the World Cup, but England blew them away.
They followed up with a 42-18 win against France in their second outing and are now in pole position to progress to the final.
England are scheduled to face the Group D runners-up in the quarter-finals and a victory there would secure a last four meeting with either Tonga or Samoa.
If England safely navigate the first two knockout rounds, their likely opponents in the final would be either Australia or New Zealand.
Both sides have won their two games in the tournament to date and it would be a major surprise if they fail to set up a semi-final clash with each other.
Australia would be favourites to win that game, but New Zealand are capable of upsetting the odds if they produce their best form.
An Australia versus England final will probably be the culmination of the World Cup and picking a winner would be no easy task.
The Kangaroos have been world champions on 11 previous occasions, but England have home advantage and that could be the difference if they meet at Old Trafford.
