England's famous semi-final encounters
Take a look back at some of England's famous final four contests at previous Rugby World Cups.
2003: England 24-7 France
Stadium Australia, Sydney
Clive Woodward’s side faced France in the semi-finals after defeating Wales. The match-up was made when Les Bleus beat Ireland in their quarter-final 43-21.
England adapted to the poor weather in Sydney, as Jonny Wilkinson put on a winning performance with the boot scoring all 24 points - courtesy of three drop goals and five penalties.
It was a controlled the opening 10 minutes allowing Wilkinson to slot his first drop goal after French winger Aurelien Rougerie spilled the ball in his own 22.
France responded against the run of play, flanker Serge Betsen stole the ball off an English lineout and found a gap in the defence, beating his opposite number Richard Hill to touch down. Fly half Frederic Michalak converted and France were ahead.
England were then given some relief after Christophe Dominici was sin-binned for deliberately tripping Jason Robinson. Wilkinson slotted a penalty in front of the posts following another French error which started the comeback. England worked at the French defence gaining metres giving Wilkinson the opportunity to slot his second drop-goal.
A French error at the breakdown gave England the opportunity to lead at the half. Wilkinson landed a 45-metre effort to make it 12-7 at the break.
14 minutes into the second half Betsen was sin-binned for a late tackle on Wilkinson and England's talisman slotted the penalty, before another trademark drop goal.
With France unable to take hold of the game Wilkinson kicked a further two penalties to secure England’s spot in the final.
2007: England 14-9 France
Stade de France, Saint-Denis
England reached the semi-final beating Australia in the previous round 12-10. France were their opponents yet again after Les Bleus knocked the All Blacks out in Cardiff.
Brian Ashton’s side took the lead after 78 seconds. Andy Gomarsall’s box kick down the touchline caught Damien Traille off guard and the ball was claimed by Josh Lewsey who forced his way over the line.
A penalty at the breakdown helped France get their first points on the board through fly half Lionel Beauxis who slotted the effort to make it 5-3.
England conceded penalties and Beauxis added three more points to put France ahead inside 20 minutes. The French fly-half attempted three long range drop goals that went wide, as did a Wilkinson effort. But France still went into the break with a one point lead.
The hosts edged further ahead at the resumption through a third Beauxis penalty, conceded by England for an infringement at the breakdown. Dan Hipkiss made a break directing an English attack. France were caught offside and Wilkinson landed his 50th World Cup penalty to close the gap to one point.
Drop goal attempts were missed by both sides including Toby Flood’s effort and with five minutes remaining Wilkinson found his form.
Dimitri Szarzewski was penalised for a high tackle on Jason Robinson and Wilkinson stepped up to give England the lead, following up minutes later with a drop goal in the 78th minute. The world champions knocked the hosts out, lining up the final against Springboks after their victory over Argentina.
2019: England 19-7 New Zealand
International Stadium, Yokohama
Manu Tuilagi’s opening try was the quickest the All Blacks had conceded in World Cup history and was the first loss they had in the tournament for 12 years.
Eddie Jones’ side had the best possible start they could have wished for going into the break 10-0, keeping the All Blacks scoreless. Anthony Watson made a break putting England close to the line and Manu Tuilagi picked up from the back of the breakdown to dive over for the opening try, Owen Farrell converted to put the score 7-0.
England played with pace, tempo and precision not allowing the All Blacks to have control of the game and found themselves close to the line again.
Sam Underhill found a gap in the defence and went through to score. However, the try was ruled out as Tom Curry’s dummy run impeded two defenders. The last points of the half came after Underhill won a penalty at the breakdown. Farrell, struggling with a leg injury, allowed George Ford to step up and land three points from the boot, putting the score at 10-0.
Ben Youngs took the ball from the back of a maul to go over early in the second half. Ford was lining up the conversion before referee Nigel Owens in consultation with the TMO decided the ball had been knocked-on and ruled it out. A penalty awarded to England at the breakdown was kicked by Ford who pushed the team 13 points ahead of the All Blacks.
Jamie George gave New Zealand hope after an overthrown lineout was received by Ardie Savea who dived over. Richie Mo’unga converted the try and closed the gap to 13-7.
But Ford slotted two more penalties to extend the lead in Yokohama. The All Blacks couldn't respond and England knocked the favourites out with the game ending 19-7. The victory lined up a World Cup final against the Springboks after their three point win over Wales.
