England slump to worst World cup defeat

England produced a shameful second-half display at Telstra Dome to crash to a record defeat in their World Cup Pool A clash with Australia.

Full-back Billy Slater and centre Greg Inglis both scored hat-tricks as the Kangaroos followed up their 30-6 rout of New Zealand with an even more convincing display to strengthen their grip on the trophy.

Tony Smith's men never recovered from an appalling start in which they conceded two tries in the first nine minutes and collapsed completely in the second half.

It was England's heaviest World Cup defeat, surpassing the 49-6 thrashing by New Zealand in the 2000 semi-finals at Bolton, and Smith must hope their morale is not damaged beyond repair in time for next Saturday's final group game against the Kiwis.

England should still qualify for the knockout stages but the tournament was handed a devastating blow by today's one-sided affair.

Australia easily shrugged off the absence of star half-back Johnathan Thurston, with replacement Scott Prince kicking eight goals from 10 attempts.

St Helens hooker James Roby was one of the few England players to emerge with his reputation intact after scoring his side's only try, a close-range effort in which he beat four defenders to touch down.

Video referee Ashley Klein gave Roby the benefit of the doubt in awarding the try but England were also on the end of some dubious decisions as they trailed 22-4 at the break.

But they could have no complaints in the second half as they capitulated in dramatic fashion, second rower Anthony Laffranchi (2) and winger Joel Monaghan adding to the hat-trick heroes' tries.

Captain Jamie Peacock admitted England were outclassed in the Melbourne encounter.

Peacock told Sky Sports: "We have got a lot of work to do. We were off the pace.

"It seemed that every time they got in our 20 they scored.

"If we want to progress in this tournament we have got to be better."