The Rugby League World Cup began with a sense of mission improbable for England, but after one game, it already represents something more like mission impossible.

The talk pre-tournament from Brian McDermott had been about being different. Going against the grain of how the national team has played against the world's best and falling short; having a creative spark that would be significant in crucial moments. For all the talk of change, the most important thing of all remained the same in Perth on Saturday: the result.

Whoever lost this game was always going to be a victim of the farcical format this reduced World Cup has in place. The six nations from Groups B and C will be put into a combined league table with the top two joining the winners and runners-up of Group A in the semi-finals.

This defeat, arguably of England's own making given their profligacy in attack and critical disciplinary lapses, means they are now relying on favours elsewhere. England need Tonga to beat Samoa on 1 November while they pile on the points against Papua New Guinea and France to stand any chance.

The most plausible outcome, though, is that England are heading home in a fortnight and it would be the first time they have not made at least the final four. A damning indictment on the English game, at a time when its administrators are once again stalling over a deal to sanction much-needed NRL investment.

This contest could have been different. For half an hour England were excellent, pushing Tonga on to the back foot with intuitive and entertaining second-phase rugby. But when they found themselves in Tonga territory, just like in last year's Ashes, England did not have the creative capability to find a decisive play.

That meant Tonga could absorb a lot of what England threw their way and responded with Stefano Utoikamanu's try somewhat against the run of play. The outstanding Isaiya Katoa converted the try and added two penalties to put Tonga ahead by 10 at half-time. Harsh? Perhaps. But this is international rugby: where the margins are fine.

"We opened them up in that first 20 and found ourselves in good positions, but we had some scrappy finishes," McDermott said. "It was too erratic. Our gameplan doesn't need to change, we just need to be patient.

"It was a really good contest and I thought we stood toe to toe with them for nearly all the game. They're a big, strong team and they've got some tremendous players. There's tonnes of positives to take. There's one or two glaring things that we need to get rid of, such as losing possession, but we'll be chasing the good stuff."

However, the format means patience will be in short supply. In contrast, Tonga remain in control of their own destiny. Roared on by a passionate Mate Ma'a fanbase, they won the crucial moments and showed greater composure on their opponents' line. AJ Brimson's early second-half try looked as though it had swung momentum back England's way, but penalties relieved the pressure for Tonga and they took advantage.

Katoa's clever kick caught England out and allowed Haumole Olakau'atu the space to score. Three minutes later, Tonga struck a devastating blow as Tui Lolohea cut the English defence open with the boot, Toluta'u Koula reacting fastest. England were in big trouble.

They threatened a grandstand finale when Dom Young finished a slick move in the corner, but with 10 minutes left, Tonga re-established control through Olaka'atu's second and another wonderful move in the final moments meant Koula claim his second late on.

Some of England's problems, as McDermott admitted, were indeed of their own making. With time, they can be cleaned up. But here is the thing: England don't have time. It might have already run out.

Meanwhile, England's women warmed up for next Saturday's game against the reigning world champions, Australia, with an eye-catching 70-6 win over Wales in their opening match.

All eyes are on the English to see whether they can provide a competitive challenge to the all-conquering Jillaroos when they meet in Perth next Saturday to decide who wins Group A. Australia beat Samoa 40-0 on Friday.