FRANCE SURPRISE LEADERS IN POOL B

A 4-1 victory over Malaysia earlier today puts France at the top of Pool B in the World Cup qualifier in Changzhou. They play Japan tomorrow, who beat China 4-2 in the following game this morning. Korea, who drew against New Zealand in their penultimate pool match, now stand on eight points with France, with only goal difference separating them. England play group leaders Belgium tomorrow in Pool A and a win would put England amonst the qualifiers for theWorld Cup. Second place in England's pool are Pakistan, whose final match is against the unfancied Irish. In the event that England lose and Pakistan draw, England's goal difference of +10 may enough to guarantee them a place in the final. Otherwise, England will find themselves playing the third placed team in Pool B. Amongst the candidates for this slot are a number of Englands 'bogie' teams, such as Korea and New Zealand. Their best shot is likely to be an outright win against the Belgians tomorrow.