Quarter-Final: England v France Rugby League World Cup

England's rugby league, their test is France. The World Cup

quarterfinal. See you next time. I buy.

Hello, this is the event in the north-west on the BBC that you have

to watch this evening. We are live in Wigan with England's Rugby League

World Cup campaign at the quarterfinal stage and we very much

hope that their journey still has plenty of time to run.

And England are finding their form and finding their touch! It is a big

evening here at Wigan. England against France, a semifinal place,

and the holders is up for grabs at Wembley next Saturday. With me here

on BBC Two, three England players. Jamie Peacock, John Wilkin and Earl

Crabtree. What kind of three weeks have this England team had so far?

It has been up and down because it has been a very interesting one, to

say the least, but what has happened if they have gradually gone up and

up in my estimation because they have improved as the weeks have gone

on and I can only see them getting better. Do you think they have

settled down a bit and calm down after what was a slightly hectic

build-up and a slightly controversial set of things going

on? Are they in the swing of this tournament now things have calmed

down? I think so. It was a disrupted start before the tournament,

especially that lost to Italy. Maybe a bit of nervousness crept in. Tough

against Australia. And then their island performance, which was

scratchy but they got the result. -- Ireland. As a fan of England,

somebody who has been part of that setup, the Fiji game got me really

excited about their chances in this tournament. Steve McNamara is very

big on the strength in depth he has got. Do you think these players are

playing for semifinal places if they get through? I do and I think they

are playing for a semifinal place. I think there's pressure on places and

players playing know they have to keep in the side. It is great in the

Rugby League that we now have a squad of 24 players who are all good

enough to play at the international stage. Probably no team with more

strength and depth than the Australians, and they might need to

rely on that strength and depth. Their quarterfinal was this one.

They thrashed the United States, who are one of the stories in this World

Cup, but they were no match for the Australians. But the recurrence of a

knee problem, the Slater injury. He is in doubt for their semifinal.

Yes. We want to see the star players playing the Star games. But they

have two fantastic fullbacks and that won't trouble Australia. They

hold such a great, fantastic team and they have got quality all over

the side. They won't be any ripple through that camp from the potential

injury? Some of the best players in the world will be replacing him and

everybody would love to see them as well. No matter who you see there,

you are going to see a special player and they will produce

something within the game you will find amazing. If you were watching

us on the Red Button before, you might think we look nervous because

a former team mate has suggested he is going to launch a ball at his

team-mate during the warm up! Fortunately, they are just doing

tackle practice and there is no ball near him. Oh, my word! He has picked

one up! Ha-ha! That was that you! That wasn't at us! He is after me

because I said he had an irregularly shaped head! It is getting ever

closer so let's just confirm what happened in the quarterfinals.

Tomorrow you have some other against Fiji and tonight it is all about

England against France. -- you have some hour. Anything you want to see

you can see on the BBC sport website. Here are the French players

warming up. They are not trying to intimidate us on the touchline,

fortunately! This is how their World Cup has gone so far.

The French have won this game by a single point!

They've had a very odd tournament so far, haven't they, Jamie? In fact,

they were one kick from the post away from not being in this

quarterfinal? They normally play well against England so expect to

see them play well today. We have some good players. They are bussed,

abrasive, Casty, Elima. They had to be robust on Monday night when they

got battered? They did, and some of the hits that went out one the best.

As we were saying before, little bit disappointed but they had a really

tough game and I was impressed with the opportunities they did create,

but unfortunately they could normally go and finish them. So if

we see a few more of those tonight and maybe a couple more tries, but

England, you would expect them to be far too strong. Their big problem,

France, has been execution. They have done some of the tough stuff

really well but when it has come to crossing the line, they have been

the worst out of the eight teams. They need to score between 20 and 30

points to have a chance against England. I think England will score

a good amount today and that is where the problem is. I can't see

France scoring that amount of points. Let's find out about the

game according to Robbie. There are two things stopping England from

getting through to next week's semifinal against New Zealand, and

that is 80 minutes of rugby and these guys coming in for their team

talk. They have some real talent, the French international Rugby

League team. Number one, their fullback, Escare, he is absolutely

brilliant. England will need to make sure they get a solid, deep line,

otherwise he will pull them back. And then the out and out star, their

boss. He knows what to do and can position the players all around the

field and has a world-class kicking game, and if he gets into the right

frame of mind, he will be able to pull out the big ones here two. --

here, too. So those will be the two French international is to keep your

eye on. And I thought the footwork to keep your eye on tonight was on

Strictly! Knowing their combination, that can only benefit

them from a unity point of view? Yes. They understand each other but

that can only take you so far. They are missing some big players and

some really pivotal positions, which is something we all talked about

before. They really need something else there for me. I think they will

give it a good go. I don't think they've got enough for a strong

England side. The coaches have been talking to us.

Usage in the week it would be hard to pick this 17 and you seem to have

shuffled the pack. -- you said. I think Chris Hill was outstanding

last week and he has been most of the tournament. Again, we have got

very good players we can play in different positions and this is the

best way for us to go in this game tonight. Morgan has been very busy

for us in the World Cup and we would like to see him get a bit more of

the ball tonight. Is he supporting France or England? He is coming on

with his French! He hangs around the players! So he is pumped and I'm

waiting for him to sing the anthem! How wary you of the French? Very.

They have a great squad and they have the added benefit of knowing

each other inside out, so we are very, very wary of the performance

France could produce and we expect them to be very good tonight. Good

luck. Thank you. Could this be quite weird for

Richard this evening? I think he looks like he is enjoying himself! I

mean, when here's the national anthems, that must be a very strange

thing. Coaching now is a worldwide global thing. Moving people is so

common I don't think it will feel that strange. What we have to be

careful of is too critical of the French. All of the teams in France

over the last ten years, they have really come on and there is some

great work internationally. If anything, we are being slightly

critical of the French performance because we have an increased

expectation of how they should do in this tournament. They have come a

long way and the game in France is really strong and really growing.

Let's move on from the French and talk about England, because we have

all been talking about various aspects of their play and you have

been looking at their vulnerability in certain areas? Yes. We see the

player isolated here with too much space around him and it results in a

try for Australia. They can't then help the defender. It comes to the

line and we have highlighted him again. Kallum Watkins here is

worried by the speed of Billy Slater and he take that step outwards,

which means he can't get in to help Kevin Sinfield with the tackle. That

is right and we are consistently seeing this play against England. We

can see here again, calibre tens, too much space with runners prepared

to run at him to make him make a decision. Again, Ben Westwood gets

attracted into much. Briscoe is out with a guy at the

back. For England to progress, this is an area they need to fix up.

France will put this play onto night and if they get through, New Zealand

will put that play on, and so England need to work as a team. It

is not down to the individuals. As a team, they need to fix it. In

professional sport, we will highlight a player and attack it.

For me, the second half was great. We could best part of the field.

This play grows across the front to Hill, and it just results in space

for Ferris. A lot of players are about isolating that defender.

Again, we see Sinfield being really direct. A fuse short passes and it

looks like an expansive try. And he's got real power as well. This is

great for me. He has also got this Blair about him. We can see he is

enjoying himself. He is crucial to England's chances, contributing

heavily to the next three games. Land of Hope and Glory rings out.

Going back to the vulnerability thing, does it concern you that they

were vulnerable against Australia, seemed to sort it out against

Ireland, but reappeared against Fiji? Sometimes, it is a little bit

of a concern, but the England bowlers will put it right. Now, it

will be addressed again and they make sure they get it right, but

they can't make excuses all the time. Let's go back to what we were

talking about before James Graham was picking on all four of us! The

reason is the man in the middle here. This tournament has reunited a

couple of old friends and has brought us a whole load of trouble.

We've been friends since we were ten, 11 years old. You know what

they are going to do, you know they're little traits. We can read

each other and pre-empt what the other will do.

I have played for most of my life, from a young kid to professional

together. Routine is a lot different. Sun cream every day,

hat, sunglasses. I am probably a bit more diplomatic. I think he

genuinely has some OCD problems! The Scouse accent now has dropped a

little bit, if you ever see words here and there, but still the same

lad. A big softy at times, but he has that temper about him as well.

He can easily switch. I have not played with James for two years. You

instantly go back into that same old, when we were in our early 20s,

mucking around together. A couple of good victories against Ireland and

Fiji. And hopefully, we can keep on building that momentum, going into

this knockout phase of the tournament. France are a very good

team. We know what to expect. They are very physical as well. But we

are confident that if we can perform well, we can go far in this

competition. Did you enjoy the physicality of the Fiji game? I

don't know about enjoy, if that's the right word. Knowing James Graham

very well, he's got quite a big head and he's quite top-heavy! He would

say that, wouldn't he? He's got that avenue now way you can use the media

to slate his mate! He'd better watch out. There might be a few balls

coming his way this week. Keep an eye out for that. And we don't very

much keep an eye out for that. We were worried above would come away

from James Graham! When he left, given how close those two are, how

did it affect him? They are both very good friends. When James Graham

left, you left a big hole in our dressing room because he's such a

big personality in such a big friend of everyone in the team. He's

aggressive and confrontational, but that's why everybody loves him. He

asks the awkward questions are awkward times. They are exact

opposite people but complement each other so well on the field. Truck

and trailer! What's James Graham liked to play against? He is so

aggressive, but at the same time, a very smart player. You don't know

whether he would pass keep the ball himself, but he always makes the

right decisions. I thought you might get a bit of a twine, but I still

can't understand him, so he's doing all right. Definitely no Aussie

twang there! I want to know where you guys have come from when he was

younger. Feel sorry for him. He's an exceptional player and a world-class

player. He's infusing rustic, aggressive in the middle,

confrontational. I think Tomkins will have a big game tonight as

well. Are you reading my script! ? We spoke about the French inability

to score points in this tournament. For me, one of the crucial parts of

the French team. On the England teams, we know all about Tomkins. 21

appearances in Super League this year. 23 tries, a huge number of

tries. Esquire has been covered in this

World Cup, but you feel as if there is more to come from him. I think,

one of his best things is the stop starting. He is a player England

will have to watch out for. The French players are getting ready to

leave the dressing room. As far as Tomkins is concerned, this will be

his final appearance at this stadium, a stadium that has meant so

much to him. I think it's a fantastic achievement for him. I

think it will be a fantastic occasion for him in a great

sendoff. The teams are in the tunnel. They are going through

last-minute thoughts and waiting for England to arrive in the tunnel as

well. What game are you expecting? England's class will show through.

New Zealand and Australia have put out markers and have played really

well. England will be looking to put in a really ruthless performance.

The psychology of it is really interesting. They both got through

to the next round, full of confidence. Look at those eyes of

Sinfield! That is one focused man. He's such a professional in what he

does in a great athlete. We've talked a lot about the French and

what threat they pose, but it's all about England now. It's about the

marching forward and putting in a massive performance. Listen to the

Nicaea in the stadium. 22,500 fans are here as the fireworks go off

behind us. Both sets of players come out. Listen to this noise! As the

fireworks continued to go off, a welcome heat on what is a rather

chilly night. Don't stand too close otherwise your hairspray will go up

in flames! # God save our gracious Queen. #

Long live our noble Queen. # God save the Queen. # Send her

victorious, Happy and glorious, Long to reign over us: God save the

Queen. Quarter final time at the Rugby

league World Cup. And your commentary team here, Brian

Noble and Dave Woods. Today, the examination is French.

Let's see if they've done their homework properly after the verdict

last week, achieving expectations. The local hero, Charlie, returning

to the wing. Sam Burgess into the back three. James Roby on the bench.

And the French have made one or two changes, too. World Cup debuts for

Olivier Elima. It is a national rivalry separated by a channel.

England will be hoping it is more like a gulf in class here tonight.

Beware the French! Indeed. It is a big ask tonight for the French but I

think they will try to make this game physical. England need to keep

their composure and do all the things right. As we say as coaches.

Disconcertingly, there was a little disco dance to the "eat, sleep Rugby

League" ! And it is going to be James Graham with the first chance

to drive it back, England looking to set a platform. Michael McIlorum is

the man at dummy half. An interesting selection. James Roby

coming into the tournament would have been a lot of people's first

choice. Is this a one-off or do you think it is the way it is going? I

think he is a tough kid and when you get test matches or qualifiers, you

need that kind of solid standard that he will give you and it gives

the chance to James Roby, who has had a stop start season, remember,

to come off the bench and create some impact. Kevin Sinfield puts it

high. A bit of spin on the ball as it comes down as well.

A little dangerous! Only the recovering Tompkins can recover in

lump's blushes there! England got lucky there. Not the best bounce by

Sinfield. And a free start for Raguin. The flinch -- French with a

platform and they've got to get in there early. What was going on for

the French?! Nobody there for ages! Has somebody forgotten to start the

game?! Kane Bentley got an injury a bit earlier and he has been carried

off, so Pelissier has come on for a much earlier intervention. So, both

sides a little disconcerted in the early stages. England a little

ragged. Allowing the French some possession and the French, having

lost their dummy half earlier. It was a loss but obviously somebody

has to get the dummy half. Bentley was missing. We do have Eloi

Pelissier here and he provides a lot of fear. 48 tackles against Samoa

last week! He's had a rest already coming on after two because he only

has to do 78 now. But that is a change now Bentley is out injured.

First appearance in the World Cup for Damien Cardace. And they have a

penalty. So, what's the news on Kane Bentley? He has pulled his left calf

muscle and it is pretty doubtful, they reckon, that he will come back

on this game -- in this game, so a big loss early on for France. No

problems with the replacement in Pelissier but that is one of the

interchanges. The French won't worry about that at the moment. They will

be worrying about staying up this end of the field. We remember this

man when he was a teenager coming through. Bosc tries to get the ball

away and having to work hard here at the moment, England. He gets the

pass away to reach for the line! He is over the line, Duport! He has the

try! The French, the French with the shock start here! Duport schools!

This wasn't in the script! He has given a great start but it might be

a great finish. Definitely not in the script. It looks like he has a

serious injury here. Well, he tried to push himself over the line. He

has obviously heard that left arm. A great off-load there. From Raguin.

Gets his arms free. He still has to take three England defenders over

the line. He needs to do a bit better here, stop the ball. Great

push from Vincent Duport. Well, England got a wake-up call before

the tournament began when they were beaten by Italy in that warm up game

and you would have thought the experience of that day would put

them off any kind of resting on their laurels ahead of this match.

And this early school will certainly spark an English revival, you would

have thought. -- early scoring. These wet sponges work well these

days! He was a goner, wasn't he? A great start from the French, you

have to say. Challenging the England defence. Yes. And that early try.

And from a neutral point of view, certainly from a French point of

view, that is what the French needed.

Thomas Bosc with an attempt here to turn the four into six. He has been

the most consistent performer for the French team in the last few

years. The kick this time is good. It has gone between those two

uprights, so what a start for France here, leading already by 6-0. A

cracking start and a strong finish from two players. There's the ball

clearly down from Vincent Duport. Both players attracted three England

defenders and got them down. The French coach has his perfect start

for tonight. The French get another penalty here. My word, this man is

making his presence felt. A bit of a scrappy start. The French have

muscled up and restricted territory. Well, England certainly haven't

settled but the French have and they are playing with confidence. Cassidy

is a great player. -- Casty. Duport is ten metres inside there. You can

see the calf muscle of Kane Bentley, or at least the ice packing

around it. And France are buzzing here just at the moment.

It takes a response by two more England defenders to make sure the

French stopped. And he almost develops that a little further. This

is the final tackle. Taking easily enough by Sam Burgess and England

just survive another spell of pressure and get a penalty as well.

Deservedly. The French are going to try to hang on to the English here.

A dinky kick from Thomas Bosc on the back was trying to catch England out

but we have seen his prowess and Cudjoe was alert to that. England

have beaten France on the last 15 occasions they have met them, just

to put this into context. The last time France got a win, a low scoring

game. Did you play in that? No. 1981, France beat England. And that

was a huge shock then, a big surprise. I came after 81. 82.

England looking to settle the ship a little bit. And Burgess is the man

who can turn momentum on its head. The pass back to Tompkins, who has

held onto it, and he, in turn, is grabbed by a couple of French

defenders. Sinfield testing the corner and Hall has taken it. But

the defence doing just enough to make sure he doesn't reach the

line. A very frustrated Ryan Hall but not a bad place at all for the

ball. Not bad at all. I'd think it was Greenshields underneath. -- I.

That is good from the England defence. Pushing the French back a

stride or two, not letting them get any respite from within their own 20

metres here. If they want their yards, they are going to have to

fight for it or take a gamble. And this is the best position England

have had so far in the early stages of this game. Westwood with the

push. England with a bit of thrust now.

There are only French players around as Chris Hill flicks it back.

Olivier Elima can get under your skin! Loves to raise the

temperature. Don't be distracted by him. He will get under your skin and

probably cause a bit of fisticuffs here and there.

I think this is going to be an England feed. So, a chance here for

England again. A standing start and it is flicked

back. Looking for the space! Josh Charnley with the try and how many

times has that happened this season?! Charnley with a not so

simple finish! They make the most of it! And England are back! Back in

the contest again. As if they were ever out of it!

Well, there's the knock-on from the French so that is why England get

ahead and free from the scrum. A bit of pitter patter and then straight

from the scrum, they think he is going to run three out the back.

Damien Cardace didn't need to come through but a lovely flick past from

Sam Tomkins. He thinks he's going to get round. Charnley stays on the

line and a good finisher. An amazing season at Wigan this year, Charnley.

Only eight games in which he failed to score a try! Which is

astonishing. You would guess without knowing the hard facts at those 43

tries that 80% or so would involve him at some point.

Sinfield, the England skipper, just settling himself and hooking it

towards there. And England are back level at six points apiece. James

Graham, out the back to Sinfield. Tomkins skips across three defenders

and attract the attentions of Cardace. Cardace wasn't in the

original squad. He is only in there because of one of two injuries in

the French camp. His World Cup debut. Already, you've got things to

think about. They've gone through five tackles

but just about reached the halfway line here. Here comes Escare, a man

with twinkle toes, isn't he? He can scare any defence. You can have as

many twinkle toes as you want. When the defences that determined, he's

got to find some speed in the ball. A good off-loaded! Gained the French

an extra ten hands -- ten yards or so. Really good hands. The centre

does well, makes the tackle. Good one and a pick-up from Sam

Tomkins. He has another go. He's a handful. France should send up the

amber flares when Sam Tomkins gets the ball! I am sure there is thought

that he might be the one that to handle them. There has to be an

aspect of that. And Greenshields just stopping

holdall. -- Hall. Smart play from him.

At the moment, there have been fingertips between Hall scoring a

try and the French defending those two kicks. He provided deep threat.

I think he was looking for the try line, and not overly disappointed

when the girl -- when the ball goes out there and gives England a 20

metre start. There probably is a little element of glee in seeing

that. And a high one for Pelissier a. He's

trying to dish out some of his own retribution.

I think Escare comes across. Not the tallest of players, but certainly

worked around the melon there! The kid has come off from his spell on

the try line is. The French have been working hard, and they've got a

lot of work to do because England are rolling forward through Graham.

Chase is enjoying himself, isn't he? Going no further than Westwood

because the French defenders are quickly in his face.

The referee gives the try. That kind of space, in that position, he is no

ordinary winger, he no ordinary finisher.

Chase with the initial break. And there's the penalty that leads to

the field position, and its purse should -- and its push and shove.

Again, Greenshields trying to stop the play. Find the horrific long

pass to Ryan Hall. Great ball, great decision.

From our anger, it looks as though that leg was trailing a little bit.

You just sends a little bed of settling down. A big rout -- crowd

here tonight. More or less full. Everybody is off to Wembley next

week. A job to be done here. England have two slightly timid, after a

slightly shaky start. Swings in. 12 - six, England lead. A little bit of

a surprising start to the game. The birds have slowly got back into it

now. You do send a team settling down. Click long, build pressure and

things will be fine. James Graham can do it all. He could

do the tough stuff down the middle and the real subtle stuff as well. A

really good footballer. He set a platform for everybody else. They've

got a good team, England. Hill is also added to the mix. Loc London is

also added to the mix. What have you made in the first

quarter of this game? I have got to agree with Gareth. Other than the

opening five minutes, I'm really impressed with the England patients.

When it comes to ballplaying, everybody is fitting into their sets

really nicely. Creating space on the edges. I am really impressed with

England's patients. There is a majority about this performance for

England tonight. The engine that purrs behind, that

big England front line. But it's Chase at dummy half this time.

Pelissier did just enough in defence. England penalty.

They are taking a few strides back here. Six tackles still to go. And

in this position, you would expect an England try here, wouldn't you?

And a bit of crossing goes on. If you put money on England scoring

again, you just lost! The French should get the penalty.

So, the French looking to show their spirit here. Great start for them.

They led 6-0 in the opening few minutes. But England have felt their

way back, chipped away at French lead. It sounds strange for me to

say this, but you can't do that here. What I'm probably saying here

is that he needs to catch that ball. The French, particularly,

cannot drop the ball in this part of the field because England's

attacking prowess is too good. Ryan Hall is the only man on the

left, so it's pretty obvious it's going right.

Momentum building up here for England again. It went backwards.

The referee says play on. And it's been stolen. A L will complain it

was a one-on-one tackle. It's pointless for him to complain,

because the reference made his mind up. England taking up a position

again. Just under 20 minutes played, and

Roby is occupying the ball. Another finish! Boy, it's simple! A big

smile on his face. Another one for England. 16-6 now.

Well done, England. Here's the incident previously. That's not,

actually. That's play on. He's saying the attack was complete and

then he took the ball. It's Watkins that skips out, and someone has to

have a word with Cardace. Highlighted the fact that its

greyhounds from Watkins. Good skill. A fantastic winger and finisher, but

a lot of the tries he scores goes on on the inside. You guide grump on

you, haven't you? ! He's a fantastic player and a fantastic finisher, but

a lot of work goes on on the inside. You are going to have to live with

that now! You live locally, don't you? Going out to get your milk and

bread. He just dropped out of the defenders there. Got close. Just

catch and pass. We could do that! Yeah!

England, well, they can feel a lot more comfortable now and enjoy

themselves and develop into this game and work on it now as a

platform for next week and potentially the week after.

Definitely. They need the blueprint for next week. Could be a night for

England to fill their boots. Graham offering the ball on the

inside to Tompkins. A wow of a game for me. Ryan Hall gets his second

try of the night! They are having a party ya at the stadium! -- a party

tonight at! Well, put this down to James Graham.

The truck, the trailer, then Burgess, then Cudjoe... The James

Graham Carrie and a quick play of the ball and that is what goes after

a James Graham carry. The two friends we had arguing at the top of

the show! Ryan Hall, it is just another one of those. That is what

you want and England have had 20 of those. They could put anyone on the

winter night, couldn't they? Other than you and me, probably! Well, New

Zealand and Australia have laid out the template, haven't they, in these

quarterfinals? The opposition, with all due respect, is there to be

beaten. But how do you do it? Show us what you've got! Here, England

doing exactly the same against the French, just like Australia did to

the USA this afternoon. England lead and they are playing with a smile on

their face. We will see the James Graham carry again. The offload...

And then an easy decision for Cudjoe to make to give Ryan Hall his score.

Good play, England. Ryan Hall has now scored eight tries in this

tournament. The French as a whole have scored three. He has scored

five more than the collective French nation! And they've given a few

penalties away, the French. Dropped a few balls. So they can't afford

that and I'd think there are good enough team to be able to get away

with that. -- and I don't think they are good enough. James Graham just

wants a bit more here. Just lost his footing as he tried to change your

action. -- change direction. England are trying to make it even more

awkward with their chasing. Good kick chase from England. You want to

get back that pendulum, tick tock, tick tock, get the rhythm. It is

starting to come for them. One of those things that goes tick tock,

tick tock. A-bomb, I suppose! The French have only made it to the 40

metre mark now and they are going to have to get the kick away, and they

do, and not a bad one, actually. An awkward one which Tompkins is

willing to take a gamble with and keeps it in play. A brilliant kick

from the boss. The back of England now. Ryan Hall tracking towards his

left-hand side but the pass is forward. It was forward. And that is

the temptation against a team that has a bit of a fractured line. You

see an opportunity and a bit of space and the temptation is to play.

A good opportunity on the fringe. Great play. A great attempt from the

man who is not frightened of nailing that with Thomas Bosc. England in

control but having to defend the set here. A false start to the scrum. He

says, put it in again. Here it comes. So, England to be tested here

inside their 20. At least that is the hope of the French.

England's line is looking strong enough at the moment. Switching left

again. And it is Greenshields who is across! A dive for the line! Just

held short! Great scramble defence from England. Just couldn't quite

finished there. Two more tackles to go. England holding firm.

A really testing run again from Raguin and a great response from

England's defences. They get the ball back again. Yes, great decision

on the line again. We'll say we are getting ready for next week but they

are going to have a whole lot more then. Up to the task at this stage.

The French coach with some concerns, no doubt, at the moment. They gave

it away by the fact that that was a forward pass and how far he had to

go. A bit of a miscue gives England won one or two more problems. Once

again, great shape, great idea and great play but then they need to

execute the skill. Six tackles to go in this set. The

referee is demanding a bit more tidiness from the scrum.

Remi Casty took it forward and certainly asked questions of the

defence. But down he goes and Pelissier picks it up. It looked

like a second thought, that. Down the blindside they go! So here

comes the last attempt now. A little chip this time over the top and the

hand goes up from Remi Chase. The French have thrown it away and

here is an interesting call. The referee has said, no advantage taken

there. There would have been no question earlier this year of it

being a French head and feet but the international rules, not quite the

same. That is the rule. Had they taken advantage, you are right,

David, and in the Super League it would have been, play on, have a

crack. A slow play of the ball, a very slow

play. Three England defender is up and meeting the Frenchman.

England's defence showing no sign of creaking at the moment. And

Greenshields has this roaming commission here tonight, as he

creeps up all over the place. A good flick away after it was caught in

possession. And they are going no further than that.

Did he come from the field of play, Charnley? He was tackled in the air

anyway so a penalty for England. Was he tackled in the air here? That is

what the rest is saying. Let's have a look. Yes. Tackled in the air,

dragged him back. George Burgess on from the bench,

and, boy, he has had a great competition, hasn't he? The referee

says, play on. And now making mincemeat, or threatening to make

mincemeat again of the French defence.

They can't keep hold! I think even he was confused! Raney chase was

trying to drop off. -- Rangi Chase. So, two minutes to the break. I

would like them to get to the end of the field a bit more. We have seen

some forward passes auto would say is that their defence has been good,

from England. A great defensive work-out.

Michael Simon had his debut against England three years ago.

Tompkins lost the ball in the air! The referee says, another six. So

six from here. Not sure we will get that far because there are only 32

seconds left to play, but England very relieved to have a ball in

their hands in what remains of this first half.

Steve McNamara, the England coach. We know his half-time ritual. Not

sure all of it will be positive. At the end of the first half, it has

been thoroughly engaging and, for the most part, I'm sure England are

content with the way things have gone. They have had a field day.

Ryan Hall with two tries and Charnley. Once again, they were

expecting to win here tonight and you have to say, they are doing what

we expected them to do. Everything going well for England right now.

Probably could have put them to bed a little bit more than we did in the

first half. Pleased to some of the defence we've done, but the first

five minutes, a little bit off. The French captain. Great start of the

game, but England very good tonight. Obviously, towards the end, we were

a bit hard, so we need to control the ball a bit better. In the second

half, trying to finish up as of. But we will try and troubled in the

second half. Good luck. Oh Loc Lynn said the scoreboard showed the

England dominance. The stats were also back up how England performed.

Much more possession, more territory and total metres as well, which

isn't on those stats, but total metres is double for England what it

is for France: 617 for England, 308 for the French. And yet, Jamie

Peacock, the French set off like a train. Yeah, the way people saying a

national anthem is a bit like a barometer for Howell they will start

the game. This is exactly what we said before the game. The space is a

lot tighter around Sinfield. But then it's the aftermath, what

happens afterwards, the after-shock of it. For me, this is a soft try to

concede early on in the game. Three free there. This is the start of a

test match. England won't be happy with that. Their defence certainly

got better down the right side because the French attacked down

England's write a lot. Yes, the defence was fantastic. They made

sure they shut everything down. It was just that one of the beginning

of the game but that's unacceptable. As far as England are concerned,

they are attacking down the right side. Josh is always on the right

place at the right time. Committing defenders there, and as you can see,

makes it a little bit more narrow there. They don't have enough

defenders but they actually do pretty well. It's Cardace on the

wing is really disappointing for me. He needs to get in between players

to either stop the password tackle. In the end, he does neither. It's

just not good enough. And he didn't learn. That's what's disappointing.

Instead of making a tackle getting in between, he just dropped his

shoulder. It's almost like he's being dictated to. It's too easy.

We've talked about Cardace and how he's messed up, but let's be honest,

Tompkinson Watkins had really top drawer skill. Really difficult to

defend that. Look a bit more at Sam Tomkins for us, then. He's been

really heavily involved throughout. He's one of the star players. It's

his home ground here, and he certainly looked really comfortable

in his surroundings. He's had nine calories and two tackles. The two

statistics show how dominant England have been. Sam has had a real

influence on a number of the key moments in the game. His involvement

in a number of the tries, but not only that, he's been difficult to

tackle. For me, Sam has always had a good game. He's picking the ball up,

making a nuisance of himself and he looks full of energy tonight. He's

usually the first port of contact for England when they do have the

ball. We are seeing how Baile thinks he can deal with Tomkins. But Sam

has the option to kick or pass and a beautiful ball to roll. Teams think

this is the way to stop him, but they'll doesn't back himself. All

great fullbacks can do that. Is now working on strength or constant

repetitions in training? He's become a better player. He's had to develop

a passing game. If he wants to become a complete player, he needs

to have a passing game, and he's done that by doing in training.

You've got to be adaptable. Everybody is trying to work out how

to stop Sam from being effective. If you don't adapt as a player, you

will get found out. Sam has shown he has adapted himself. That is

crucial. They will be well aware of what his strengths are. Let's look

at truck and trailer, shall we? ! James Graham, for me, has been

exceptional. He's been the one that has been marching them forward. The

inside but there as well to Tomkins, gets forward. The back of that is

Roby. He knows those people scattered around. From there, just a

good hands job. Ban them. The recognition of the players there.

England have consistently warned that situation. They have got up and

played the ball quickly. The French defence can't get organised. They

are constantly retreating. England have doubled their metres. It is

exactly doubled. In rugby league, you always aspire to run the ball

quickly. It's exactly double plus one, so I'm aware that's not exactly

double! The winners of tonight's semifinal will take on the holders

next Saturday, a game you will be able to see live on BBC One. That

means New Zealand and this man. The last few years has been an

unbelievable dream. A lot of hard work as well. It looks like you've

just been lucky. What I have gained out of boxing has helped me

tremendously on the field. I couldn't even throw a punch when I

first started, and now, I can hold my own. As things stand, we don't

want to tempt fate, but England may take on New Zealand. One of the

beauties of this Rugby league World Cup is that it has brought lots of

grades to the game to this country, none greater than this man. He has

been playing -- paying a visit to his old club. It's accurate to say

our guest of honour tonight is the biggest name in world rugby league.

He's a legend, isn't he? One of the best players I have ever seen. The

size, speed. Simply the best. Do you want a drink? I'm here to have a

beer, aren't I? What are your memories of your time here?

Fantastic. No negatives. All positive. There is only one club I

would never play for. I remember one try against Hull KR. Yes, the best

pass I received all day. I would have loved to have come back and

played here. One player doesn't make a team. For the English audience,

you announced just for the English audience, you announced yourself 82

draw. I really enjoyed the experience of the 82. And I enjoyed

the atmosphere and the social life over here, and it was a pretty easy

decision to come back and played for Saints. Still love coming back here.

I remember that one shower! 1990, the try at old Trafford is a

memorable one. It was relief. This World Cup, what will it do for the

legacy in terms of the game? Legacy wise, I feel the game has improved.

I think it's been a huge success for the game around the world. So many

iconic images there in that piece. We are ready to go for the second

half. Don't forget, we are on the red button after 10pm. We want you

for words to describe this game. Send them to us.

I would like them to clean up and kick the ball long when they have

two. They are showing all the signs of talent coming to the fore. 30

minutes between England and a semifinal against New Zealand next

week. A double-header at Wembley next Saturday. Fiji against Samoa,

making up the quarterfinal pairings this weekend. That will be some

battle. This might yet be some battle here tonight, if the French

can get switched on in the second half. And a penalty and that helps

because it takes further downfield. They started the game well enough,

the French. Opening try in all of that. But since then, England have

taken control. If they can get disciplined, they can be more of a

challenging test England a little more. But the middle bit was

All-England. Pelissier a has been on since the second minute. A bit of

sharpness around that damning opposition as well. Chase knocked

on. Came of your hand, Chase, and touched a French player. His boss,

head, I think. It was going forward. Just like the start of the first

half, the French are getting a little bit of fortune here. But what

can they make of it and how well can England repel it? Cardace did not

have the best first halves. And knocked on in the end by Escare

as he came forward. Just one of those opportunities there. Good

work, they create the opportunity here, and then Greenshields and

Baile, a chance if he catches it. Switching roles, aren't they? I

think Greenshields is playing as an extra pipit.

In the half-time team talks, Stepanek tomorrow saying the quality

of the sets have to improve. -- Stepanek are saying. -- McNamara

saying. Cut out the fundamental errors, play with pride. If we are

going to go out, go out on a high. Think Sam is trying to get it free

there. George Burgess, who has pushed his England side inside the

French territory by a notch or two. Heavy duty defence keeps it in play.

James Graham pushing it forward. Tough stuff today by the ginger

headed Scouser. Cudjoe again just trying to bludgeon

his way through but the referee says it was stolen again. A look of

desperation from the French players, who can't believe these decisions

going against them. Greenshields had a player that one but didn't really

need to. James Graham got there and helped him. Rookie of the year,

George Burgess. Just a couple of strides away.

You don't see this often! Well done, the French defence!

The pickpocket was pickpocketed there! Sam Burgess was driven back

20 metres in the tackle. And a smart play. Let's have a look. You suspect

the French needed that as well, to get the ball back. They have put

themselves under pressure with the penalties they have given away. A

sweeping, drizzly rain coming down tonight at the moment in Wigan. For

the most part, the fans are English and they are seeing England doing a

decent job here tonight. Sinfield looking to see how many

troops are back behind the ball, and there are a few of them now. An

athletic presence. George Burgess lost to do that,

doesn't he? And a quick play of the ball, lots to do that as well. That

is the fifth, so one more tackle to go. Ryan Hall is often less! Knocks

it back! Play on and his -- it is going to be a try for O'Loughlin. It

is the first time tonight we are going to hear from Ben to make this

adjudication. We will just pause it when the ball was on the foot... So

there we have it. Everybody is onside so we will leave it for now

and go on with it. That is fine. That looks like a challenge and it

looks like the ball has gone backwards off England but I really

need a closer view on that one to adjudicate properly. So, they've

gone for the ball... He's got the Palm of his hand, Ryan Hall, and it

looks like it has flipped backwards on that angle, going behind him

quite clearly on that one. Do we have another from the side? Do we

have a side view on that but close in? Is it possible?

No problem with the contest there. The ball is flipped backwards. So if

we can just roll things on from there, we can get a clear pick-up,

which we do. And then if we can just run it on to the grounding. That's

OK, that's fine. And then O'Loughlin grounds the ball cleanly. That is a

try. COMMENTATOR: So, no problem is, no

concerns for England in the end and it will be a fifth try of the night

for them. This smooth engine purrs on again.

Kevin Sinfield with a kick at goal. Happy with the decision? Definitely.

A technical point. Sinfield with that awkward angle that he seems to

adopt but it does pay dividends! Who is to argue with the maestro? All

roads leading to Wembley now, surely, in that semifinal against

New Zealand. Great competition from Ryan Hall. Flips it backwards. And

then over to O'Loughlin, and a great finish. Gets his just rewards for

being alert, Sean O'Loughlin. England are hungry for more

straightaway! They come right back here! I didn't think he has had a

minute's rest! Not been off the field, no! The ball has been lost

because of a steel so a penalty for England again. The French are

shooting themselves in the foot. I don't understand... At is the fourth

penalty on the bounce for trying to steal the ball and it just increases

the pressure on themselves. Look at that. Nine penalties conceded to

England's four. So an extra five they have given away straightaway.

So, it will be a French head and feet. A time for both sides to get

some oxygen back into the tank. No complaints by England about that

decision. Still very nearly double. England just ploughing the French

into the ground. Jamal Fakir, the French workhorse

who provides explosive itty down the middle as well. And here comes Bosc

now, stepping on the inside, but then being dragged down.

They will get another penalty. Too much messing about. They were

claiming they were hooked in. Cooked in by the French defender, and that

is why he couldn't get on. -- hooked. A good platform here

potentially. They've looked good structurally, the French. They found

some space on the fringes of England, but I'd have a bit of

sloppy execution we have seen in this World Cup. -- but a little

bit. Toulouse had aid to restrict World

Cup several years ago, helped by that man. A bit untidy but it will

stand up in the hands of Damien Cardace. You can try that all day

for that but he is too smart for that! Again, the French have created

the space and England have closed it down. Another six because there was

an England touch in there. So, six more tackles for England to defend

in the French are hammering at this door again. A will-o'-the-wisp

attempt, Burgess with the powerful prevention.

England still repelling effectively. The French still trying. A good test

for England's defence, this, and they are holding up. An ambitious

pass. With further poor consequences from the French point of view. They

ran out of patience. Because they had to do that on fire, beauty of a

play. Think the kick play is the option for the French.

The desire is there to make those special plays that you need. 97%

tackle completion for England in those stats. Ready good, isn't it?

Not missing anything. Sticky yellow we were talking about the dynamics

of the tackle before the game, the bodies, the movements. They just

give you 1%. To be up near 97%, that is pretty impressive. Chris Hill has

had a good tournament as well. Sinfield had a look forward and this

now means that it Escare has two ghosts scampering across. -- has two

go scampering. A little bit of fatigue settling

into this French side as they try to bring it forward. What have you made

of this, John? England have been very ruthless at times. James Graham

is having a huge night in the middle of that team. Not only running the

ball but passing the ball. Great defence in there, so the middle boys

for England are having a good evening.

A bit of broken field ahead of him but closed down by Olivier Elima.

There is a split difference on the two. The French are struggling to

get players back so they can't put any players on.

That was almost under his knees there. And the French defences up

quickly and really well! Tanya Arnold, you have something for us?

What do you want to see from England, Rob? We are dangerous at

times in the first half but when it gets to this stage, we need to be

nailing our performance. Feeling lucky not to be playing tonight?

Feeling disappointed not to be playing. England with a little bit

of a slip. All is well that ends well.

Another forward pass. It's hard to argue with a touch there. We've been

saying it up here, I think its craftiness. -- I think it is

scruffy. The players just not quite there. When you get the big teams,

if they get New Zealand next week, as they should, they've got to be

better than that. Tougher test for England tonight then New Zealand had

against Scotland last night. What I'm trying to say is the fact that

New Zealand haven't had a tough game at this World Cup, are England

getting a tougher test then New Zealand have had in the competition,

and that does -- and does that give England an advantage next week?

Possibly, maybe. The referee quite rightly blows his

whistle. They are athletic, big and strong. The competition as to be in

the air. Watkins gets there, but unfortunately for him, knocks the

ball forward. Another test for this English line. And the rain continues

to fall. A chilly, autumnal evening. But it's at this time of year that

the big decisions count. And that's a pro-decision. -- a plural

decision. Talk about giving it up you -- it up

easily! To be fair, Cardace was well covered. But England get it back and

looking to play forward. What's that word you are using?

Scruffy. It is untidy at the moment, from both sides. The weather might

be playing its part, but he's got underneath there. Pelissier is a

little fella, isn't he? He wrote was thinking I'm going to squash this

bloke. Just compounds the situation. The French looking to prosper.

Greenshields again, retiring at the end of the World Cup. Possibly his

last ever game here tonight. Colonel couldn't quite pick it up

cleanly. Knock-on England. They created the numbers in the chair.

This is a prolonged period of play for the French here. 19 minutes

remaining. England set fair for a semifinal against New Zealand next

week, but the French are not going to go quietly into this good,

autumnal night in Wigan. They will keep this site going all the way,

testing England's resolve all the way.

He's knocked on, bounced up that big chest of his. Here's the good bit

for England. They are bending their backs really well there. Whatever

the French are throwing at them, they are defending their line. They

want to do less of this and get down the other end and practice the good

stuff, the flashy stuff, the little balls, the long balls, the flashy

executions. New Zealand, through, Australia, through. Tomorrow, Fiji

against Samara. -- Samoa. Big, long raking kick downfield. For

the first time in quite a while, the English are relieved that the

bowlers on the other half. A great kick from Sinfield. Fantastic. He

waxed the ball down there and they are backing themselves. It's good

field position. Get them down there and keep them down there.

Oh, my word! That's brilliant. He's called the ball and he's done some

good stuff. Do you remember Wembley when they didn't give him one back

there? Turning point of the game then at Wembley. What are you making

of all this? I'm really impressed. The last nine, ten minutes, England

have done nothing but defend. They've come up trumps. They have

withstood everything the French team have thrown at them. Steve McNamara

Haven't seen much of the fowl to that.

the perpetrator. England looking to roll on here. Here comes westward,

forcing his way forward. An awesome presence.

Scrum down. Let's hear from Jamie Peacock. You were talking last night

about New Zealand not having to do much defence on their own line, so

how much good is it doing for England here tonight? I think it's

good for England. It's good that they have had to defend. They

recaptured territory by great kicking and great kick chasing.

We've seen England to descend the second half. England looking to

attack on this occasion. A little skip and a hop, but look how many

gather around Tomkins. He just had his ankle taken. Quick

hands, lovely hands, wonderful! The scrambling French defence, very

effective in getting across there. It's been dropped anyway. Knock on.

If looks could kill! England should have scored there. They just needed

to catch and pass down line. Plenty of claret coming down his beak!

Gives a kind of 1930s clean cut image, doesn't it? Real

old-fashioned sportsmen out there. Needs a new shirt. That one is

covered in blood. We will get a bit of a stoppage were. Here comes

Chase. Rips one off. Chance to have a look at the tad loose. He can stay

on but can't get involved in this play. For this play, at least, they

are a man down. I think England are tough. They need

to be a bit slicker. Is that the right expression? Scruffy is not

slicker tool. 12 minutes to go. Their minds may be drifting to those

big black jumpers they may be facing next weekend. That's a challenge,

isn't it? Next week! The French again with a lot of

metres to cover. A wall of white is waiting, however. So they are

rolling downfield with decent effect, the French. Not a bad getup.

A bit of time to work. Does he know it is the six? Yeah, he did. Still

kept alive! They are playing football at the moment! You spin the

wheel, you close your eyes, you hope it is going to work and it has for

the French. They have another six plays here.

Greenshields early in the tackle camp, tried that low percentage

play. Frustrated today because they are creating the space and it is

just the execution right on the end there. Because he hit that with a

shovel, didn't he, Greenshields? They have been calling for the kick

player for the French because they have been dreading the England

defence. You can see Sam Burgess is now off

as well. And James Graham stalking the touchline.

Good footwork by Chris Hill there. Five gone and here comes the last.

Well, it would have been. Messing about and they will have to tackle

again. To my recollection that is the fourth penalty by France on the

fifth tackle. That is too hard on Rugby League. I don't care what you

say. It is too hard to do that. They haven't given themselves a chance,

the French. Well, England are readying themselves up again for

chance. Another six tackles here. McIlorum with the freshest pair of

legs here on the field! The Frenchman is left fuming! The only

thing I will say about that as we watch this play unfold and build,

going towards the line, he just plays straight in the face. Probably

deserved it. Don't know what he did. This week

he is caught by Brett Ferres, who, in turn, might have been caught in

the face. I don't know. These execution issues I have been talking

about all we have been talking about... Sam Tomkins gets back. Then

they mess around. He will have to go to the bin for that is for a

professional foul. I don't think he would have wanted to finishing quite

that way. I think the word is auspicious, Dave. Don't ask me to

spell it! Over the top by a mile again. And

out of play. This is the story of their World Cup, isn't it, for the

French? They have created lots of opportunities but never executed any

of them, which has resulted in their low score count. Three tries in the

tournament. Man of the match, as ever, chosen by the press, and it is

Sam Tomkins. Given the order of being man of the match in his last

game. I have to say, because all the indications are that he wants to

come back after his spell in the NRL. I think James Graham has been

outstanding tonight. I think Roby had a big impact. Sam Burgess has

been dangerous. It suggests I disagree! But he has played well. I

understand why the headline stuff gets it out there. I live a short

answer, though, you know! -- I love. And Sean O'Loughlin has played

well. He is such a great player, isn't he, O'Loughlin? Boy, there's a

lot to admire about him and here he is now. There is a man in the way,

which has to be a penalty. As difficult as it was for the

Frenchman to get out of the way, you do have to get out of the way. I

think the problem is, you has lost it. He has to roll out there. -- he

has lost it. So a penalty for England. Four minutes left to play.

Can England finish with a flourish? They did the job in the first half

against Fiji last week and then the job in the second half in terms of

getting the points on the board. The French have given them real

resistance but never really threatened England's dominance. And

there is Sinfield carting it forward again. 15 out!

Look at the gap! Look at the gap! Has Brett Ferres ever scored an

easier tried than that! And our Pelissier wants to stop picking on

the big boys here. His team-mates came in before it got embarrassing

for the little Frenchman! Here's a flyweight against at least a light

heavyweight! Then he picks on another heavyweight, and another

heavyweight and another! Possible obstruction, of course. Over to you,

Ben. We are looking for obstruction on a French player.

Everything is OK there. It's from this play... So... Did that man hit

the gap or did he just barge into him?

There is sufficient depth. The Frenchman sort of goes to him as

well. Let's have this nice and slow. He

goes, he tries... The French number 11 changes and goes towards the

English players so I am happy with that one. He has gone in for that

gap, meaning the French player goes to the man, so that is no

obstruction because the Frenchman has made collision. I am happy with

that. Goes to the grounding... Yeah. So, can we just go back on that and

confirm? We need to confirm he catches it on the outside? I think

he does. Now we need to go a bit further than -- further back than

that, please. Yeah, I am happy with that, so that is a try.

Well, it took an age but now we have the decision. England now push that

school beyond the 30 mark now. What a year Brett Ferres has had this

year. A big year with The Giants and a big start to his international

career at this level. 34-6 and I am sure Crabtree will be very pleased

for the Huddersfield man getting that try. Yes, it is fantastic. He

will be William pressed with him and I'm glad he has managed to get on

the field and get that try. We were talking about, in the studio, he

knows where the gaps are and he is just a great player in general, a

great professional. I hope he retains his place and gets a start

next week because he is definitely up for that challenge.

We look forward to that. With so much certainty, it will be England

against New Zealand. In that semifinal next week. And here we

go, Ferres, rolling forward. Only a couple of minutes left to play. Some

certainty. Well, with certainty. With some certainty. With some

certainty. They are going to play New Zealand next week. It is as

simple as that. We have probably been aware of that for some time.

Another job well done for England tonight? Yes. Scruffy but

defensively very strong. Very strong. You've got to put it all

together now, all those bits we have seen right throughout the

tournament, put the lot together next week and the week after. It is

just the finishes in this part of the field where you want to build

pressure against the good teams. There is a question mark... Well, as

we keep saying, it is a much, much bigger test next week. The World Cup

started in absolute earnest from England's point of view again. They

were always heavy favourites to do this. I don't think we'll see a

restart here. I'm not sure either pack will be happy about stopping.

The referee goes over to try to calm things down and a little glance at

the scoreboard to see how many seconds left to play. They have only

conceded three tries, England. One here tonight. And that puts them in

good stead, doesn't it? It puts them in great stead. He stopped the

clock! Two seconds to go! So they can have an argument! , one, Ashley!

It is like something the Mrs would do, stop the clock to have an

argument! He put it back on again and the hooter has gone. A shake of

hands but a job well done here by England tonight. Four tries in the

first half. Eight tries now in the tournament. Boy, he has enjoyed this

Rugby League World Cup and he knows if he can carry on this scoring

ratio in the next two games, then potentially he could put England in

dreamland. Josh Charnley in on the action as well. The last game at the

DW Stadium for an awful long time and a little bit disappointing with

that sin-bin for Sam Tomkins. Sean MacLachlan and then Brett Ferres

adding to the two horrific season he has had. -- Sean O'Loughlin. --

adding to the terrific season. For the French, their only win in

this tournament against Papa New Guinea. And they will be

disappointed, as they were five years ago in Australia in the 2008

World Cup. So that is it for England and they advance now alongside

Australia and New Zealand, and only one more game to put onto the

Wembley billing for next week. Will it be Fiji or Samoa? We will find

out tomorrow. But England have won here.

Sam, congratulations on your man of the match performance. But probably

not the way he wanted to end, on the bench? No. Have you been able to put

that to one side? I've said all my goodbyes and why wasn't sure if I'll

get to play here so tonight was just about getting the win. We played

well in patches and win you the game was won at them we went sloppy so

there are areas of improvement if we are going to go and beat the Kiwis

next week. Was that in your mind what you have to do next week once

you have the game done? Everybody was focused on what they had to do

today and putting in the performance. Are you conscious that

you will have to lift things to a whole mother level? Yes. -- to a

whole other level. We are a really post-group as well and that is

important. Do you have a message for the fans? Just a massive thank you

again. We certainly need the backing we have had so go and buy your

tickets for Wembley! Thank you, Sam. Richard, possibly the story of your

tournament but your guys made chances out there? Pride and courage

can only take you so far. The other team had a lot more skill than ours.

He said your side, if you were going to go out, go out with your heads

held high. There was always going to be an issue about the second half. I

thought they dug in really hard. There was a period in the first half

where we barely touched the ball. What do you think the side can take

out of this tournament and what needs to happen? From a playing

point of view, pride and commitment can only take you so far. The plane

full and the depth of talent in France needs to grow. The French

players are in a huddle at the moment as their World Cup tournament

comes to an end. In fact, many of the fans have stayed behind, not

only to applaud England, but now they are rising to applaud the

French players as they go towards the fans. England are at the

opposite end of the stadium at the moment. Do they merge with credit,

Jamie? I think so. They tried to attack the English goal, but England

defended with great infusion as and desperation to hold them out. It's a

semifinal for England against New Zealand. Job done, but how do you

feel about the overall performance? Very scratchy, we have done enough

to win the game, but in terms of performance, way down from what we

would expect. Do you think the guys were trying to follow New Zealand

and do a bit number on France? I'm not sure. We respected France, but

the way we approach the game as a whole, the amount of errors we made,

was extraordinary. What will you be concentrating on? We will be all

right next week. But we got a lot of work to do this week. Hubert Burgess

in in the second row. Was that looking ahead to the New Zealand

game? No, that team was picked for this week. We will see you at

Wembley. Steve McNamara talking to Tanya. The England players just

finishing their lap of honour. You can see them at the bottom left-hand

corner of screen. That brutal clash tomorrow at 3pm: Samoa against Fiji.

Highlights the sport website, and will be live next Wembley -- next

Saturday at Wembley. If you can't or don't want to buy a ticket, you can

watch it with us: England against New Zealand at 12:30pm. Sam Tomkins

saying goodbye to the stadium for the time being. You never know, you

may come back and play for Wigan again one day. And for the final

time in a rugby league kit. He walks down the tunnel for the last time,

and the fans stayed to applaud him. Steve critical was critical, wasn't

he? Yeah, and he's right say that. They were a little bit sloppy. A

great result, that's all you can ask for, but overall, they needed to be

a little bit better, consistent throughout the game, too many

errors. Steve McNamara talks a lot about intensity. Does it feel like

we've heard not exactly the same post match interview, but similar

words, both from coach and players? If you could some England up, it

would be scratchy. They have played well for long periods in the games,

but they have had 30 minute periods in all the games they played where

the intensity has not been there. They have made too many errors and

been forced to defend, which they've done very well in this tournament.

Against the bigger teams, you worry about having to defend that volume

of players on your own line, you think the Kiwis and the Australians

have the firepower. But the pleasing thing will be the defence. The

disappointing thing will be 13 errors in a game and a lack of

respect for the ball. Let's delve into the second half a little bit

more. Sam Tomkins got man of the match. Loch earn is a great player.

Get the ball on the money. We've got him right in the middle. It's

great, for England, that he is playing well. He is a crucial part

of this team. More important, it is Chase's decision to kick the ball.

It is encouraging that he took the conservative option. The French had

an extended period of possession. England had an extended period of

possession but scored a lot of points. If you have been with us all

the way through our coverage, you will have seen, pre-match, there was

a very interesting look between James Graham and the rest of us. It

felt slightly intimidating, for though that of us who don't play

rugby league on a weekly basis! I am delighted to say James is waiting to

tool to us now. The locals aimed at John, in particular, wasn't it? Most

definitely. He has been giving me a bit of stick today. He warned me not

to blow it. He invited me to his wedding as well, so I did feel bad.

We heard Steve McNamara described the performances scratchy. Would you

go along with that? Most definitely. We made a couple of errors. He said

at half-time we went three back-to-back, and that's not good.

What do you think is crucial to beat New Zealand? We need to look after

the ball when we have got it and probably need to complete about 80%.

They are a quality side and if you give them a cheap, easy ball, they

will punish you. Which players do you fear and which players command

most respect? I respect them all. They are holders of the World Cup,

and for good reason as well. Some good lad and the squad as well. They

will have a lot of respect. Are you able to enjoy this? This is a

pinnacle of the international career, playing in front of big

crowds in your home country. I mean, you can enjoy it. You've got to

enjoy playing rugby league. Is the best job in the world. I was a

friends house the other day and was a bit embarrassed that I had to

leave the phone wouldn't work, but apart from that, you do enjoy

yourself. That look was incredibly scary at the start, but thank you

very much for talking to us. No problem, chapters. Let's go back to

the game, though. The French opportunities that they then

eventually let themselves down with. This is the story of the tournament

for the French side. They always create these opportunities, and they

just get the ball out wide. They get the chance to score tries but they

don't. It is really positive that they can get themselves into

position, but the final product is not good enough. Can we, at the same

time, while recognise the French are missing opportunities, are we able

to give credit to England for their defence? They defended really well.

They defended together. One thing that got them out of trouble was

Sinfield's kick. It was on the third tackle. This is what they will need

to do against New Zealand. 73 metres in the kick which was great, but

what was more impressive was the kick chasing. England have been

talking with a tournament about this wall of white and we can see that

snazzy graphics there! That's what England must do. That graphic has

shown something, the unglamorous part of rugby which you have made

glamorous. It's an important part of winning big games. We need to see

that next week from England. They need to have a good kick and goaded

kick chasing. Do we need to see more of it as well? Definitely. It's all

about building pressure. Even though the French side weren't scoring

tries, they were putting England under an enormous amount of

pressure. That's not the prettiest sight I have ever seen! That lady, I

am told, they are Sam Burgess's shorts. I don't know whether that's

because of the smell, but she is completely and utterly overwhelmed!

The girl has Sam Burgess's shorts. Judging by how she reacted, I am

guessing they will never be washed and they will be under her pillow

this evening! She's also got a wedding ring on, so goodness knows

what her husband will make of it! Oh, that might be him. Right then,

let's point you in the direction of more rugby league coverage across

the BBC. From that low to this high. All the highlights of the other

games, 1130 tomorrow. You can catch the repeat on Monday. Fiji against

Samoa in particular. We are on the red button now. Lots of tweets.

We've got some already. Mary: Hair raising. Bring on New Zealand.

David: Two games left, lads. Chris: Early scare. Service is resumed.

Also, what we would do on the red button, is these three have all

picked their England teams to face New Zealand next week. Well, they

don't look very happy about it! I think they are slightly nervous. We

will see you at Wembley next Saturday on BBC One. It will be

huge. England against New Zealand. We will see you then.