England coach Wayne Bennett has defended his team’s decision to fly in and out of Avignon on the same day as their clash with France.

The visitors won 40-6 but Bennett was quick to hose down French coach Aurelien Cologni’s accusation that it was disrespectful to be part of the build-up of the match.

“There was no suggestion that we were trying to be smart,” Bennett said.

“It was never mentioned to me or anybody else on the staff about being here early to promote the game.

“I thought it was great to be here. Watching France today, you’ve got to be optimistic about what they can do going forward if they can just hold it together and try to build from here.

“They kept turning up, we just had better players, that’s a fact of life.”

Offload by Hodgson, kick by @kevjonbrown and finished by @garethwiddop. Beauty! 🙌 #WallofWhite pic.twitter.com/DTkzRxIgB1

— England Rugby League (@England_RL) October 23, 2016