England beat France 50-38 to claim record third Wheelchair World Cup

England became the first team to win three Wheelchair Rugby League World Cups after beating France 50-38 in Wollongong on Friday. BBC Sport reported that Tom Coyd's side recovered from a 22-10 deficit to secure consecutive world titles, following their victory in Manchester four years earlier.

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The final changed direction sharply before England established control. They initially led 10-0, only for France to score 22 unanswered points and move ahead. England responded before half-time through tries from Rob Hawkins and Jack Brown. Joe Coyd, the head coach's younger brother, finished with four of England's nine tries as they completed the comeback against Cyril Torres' team.

The result capped a tournament in which England had already scored 386 points across the group stage and semi-finals while conceding 68. Their latest meeting with France produced a wider winning margin than the previous three World Cup finals between the sides combined: those matches, in 2013, 2017 and 2022, were decided by two, four and four points respectively.

Speaking after the victory, Tom Coyd described a deliberate effort to keep his players focused on pursuing another title rather than protecting the one they already held. According to BBC Sport, England used a ladder during team meetings, painting another rung gold after each win. Comparisons with sharks were also part of the coach's effort to encourage an aggressive approach both with and without possession.

Captain Lewis King helped steady the team during the final, leading a brief half-time huddle after England had recovered from France's scoring surge. Tom Coyd credited King's composure and leadership with reassuring the players when the match turned against them. Joe Coyd said the squad's trust in one another reduced the need for an emotional team talk, adding that the head coach had not delivered the final changing-room messages during the tournament.

Brown, competing at his fifth World Cup, collected a third winner's medal. He also pointed to the leadership within the playing group and their understanding of what was required. England's success added to their titles in 2008 and 2022, with the latest win establishing an outright record of three triumphs in the competition.