ENGLAND got their first victory of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup with a scrappy win over a game and spirited Lebanon side in Sydney.

Wayne Bennett’s side will have wanted a wider margin than their 29-10 win at Sydney Football Stadium, but they are now virtually assured of a quarter final place.

Kallum Watkins crossed on England’s productive right edge in the early stages, but Nick Kassis profited from a Gareth Widdop error to touch down Robbie Farah’s grubber kick and level the scores.

Jermaine McGillvary cut inside from his wing to give England the lead again before the heavily-favoured men in white stretched away before the break.

Ryan Hall barged over before Wolves star Ben Currie picked out the perfect line to cross from Josh Hodgson’s pass.

The expected deluge of points after the break never materialised as England were flat in the second half, with a marauding Tom Burgess effort the only highlight.

Jason Wehbe squeezed over to ensure Lebanon’s late pressure turned into points, but England had the final say when Widdop slotted over a drop goal on the hooter.

England: Ratchford; McGillvary, Watkins, Bateman, Hall; Widdop, Gale; Hill, Hodgson, Graham, Whitehead, Currie, O’Loughlin. Subs: Walmsley, Heighington, Burgess, Williams.