England women ramped up preparations for the Rugby League World Cup with a dominant 38-4 victory over France in Toulouse on Saturday. Playing their first international fixture of the year at the Stade Ernest-Wallon, Stuart Barrow's side overcame an early deficit after France took the lead through two converted penalties.

Debutant Ellise Derbyshire opened England's account before Lucy Murray crossed twice and Ella Donnelly scored her first international try. Eva Hunter, the Woman of Steel, produced a rampaging run to evade numerous defenders and extend the lead to 28-4 at half-time.

England continued their dominance in the second half as playmaker Jenna Foubister and Derbyshire, claiming her second, added further tries. Izzy Rowe successfully converted five of seven attempts to seal a comprehensive win that signals strong form ahead of the World Cup.