Defending champions England got off the mark at the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup on Saturday with an impressive 86-8 win over Ireland at Medway Park.

It followed England’s opening game defeat to France and sets them up for Tuesday’s match with Wales.

England head coach Mark Roughsedge told the Festival of World Cups website: “I thought Ireland played against us pretty well in the opening stages and they kept us pinned but I’m proud of the guys for putting in a professional job.

“We’ve got a tough game against Wales coming up and we’ve got to make sure we put that one away and concentrate game-on-game and just keep on track. We’re happy with what we’re doing and where we’re going.”

Medway Dragons’ Joe Coyd was restored to the 10-man matchday squad after sitting out the opener with France. He scored six tries, three in either half, and Mike Stevenson scored four tries. England led 24-4 at half-time and raced to victory after the break.