Brian McDermott talks to England playersImage source, SWPix
Image caption,

Brian McDermott was named England head coach in April - with last Saturday's defeat by Tonga his first match in charge

BySteve SutcliffeBBC Sport journalist

England were left exhausted and with little preparation time for the start of their Rugby League World Cup campaign because of a travel schedule straight out of the film Planes, Trains and Automobiles, head coach Brian McDermott says.

England's 30-12 defeat by Tonga last Saturday has left them teetering on the brink of elimination because of the unusual format of this year's tournament.