England's World Cup Preparation: Warm-up Matches Against Spain and France

In anticipation of the Rugby World Cup, hosts England are set to compete in two preparatory matches against Spain and France this August, as announced by the Rugby Football Union (RFU). The fixtures commence with Spain in Leicester on August 2, followed by a clash in France's Mont-de-Marsan.

Spain makes a return to the global event for the first time since 2017, after securing victory in the WXV 3 tournament, while France is eager to break its semifinal barrier, having finished third seven times before. England, the 2014 champions, are heavy favorites, boasting an undefeated record since their 2022 final defeat by New Zealand.

England recently edged past France in a nail-biting 43-42 win at Twickenham during the Six Nations, ensuring their seventh consecutive Grand Slam title. The World Cup is set to kick off on August 22, with England meeting the United States in Sunderland, alongside Samoa and Australia in Pool A.

(With inputs from agencies.)