Over 20,000 people sat in the crowd tonight as England beat France in Bolton.
People swarmed to the University of Bolton Stadium for the 5pm Rugby League World Cup match England V France and they were not left disappointed.
England beat France in 42-18 to clinch their place in the quarterfinals.
The atmosphere in the stadium roared as the match went on and people sprung to their feet every time England scored.
With sport in Bolton being celebrated as something great for the town which already hosts sport like football and boxing, the rugby league world cup was long awaited.
Shaun Wane’s men picked up from where they left off against Samoa a week earlier to run in seven tries in another show of pace and power that further demonstrated their title credentials in front of a crowd of 23,648 at the University of Bolton Stadium.
France coach Laurent Frayssinous was so impressed with the other side’s performance that he said he believes England can go on and lift the World Cup.
He said: “They have a massive pack of forwards, their back five could be the best in the comp, Tommy Makinson didn’t play tonight – and in their spine they have experienced and quality players.
“I am sure they will challenge Australia and New Zealand and will be able to beat them. They definitely can win the World Cup.”
Both Ryan Hall and Dom Young scored four tries between them but towards the end of the first half, France was back on game and showed they weren’t going to make it easy.
Dom Young’s impressive run for his tri had Bolton screaming in excitement with how fast he was.
Bolton has been excited for months leading up to the match when unfortunately, it was announced the second scheduled game would not take place here, but undeterred, fans said they enjoyed the clash.
Martyn Cox, leader of Bolton Council said previously: “Later this year, Bolton Libraries and Museum Service will launch its ‘Sportstown’ exhibition, telling the story of our many home-grown sporting achievements.
READ: Rugby League World Cup legacy for Bolton
“This will inevitably feature greats like Sir Jason Kenny and Sir Nat Lofthouse, as well grassroots sporting heroes who all personify Bolton’s determination and ambition.
“I am certain rugby league starts from Bolton will feature prominently in similar exhibitions in years to come.”
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