Wilkinson kicks England into final

Wilkinson landed two second-half penalties and a drop goal as England kept alive their dreams of a successful World Cup defence.

England had stormed into the lead after just 80 seconds with a try from winger Josh Lewsey but spent most of the first half under pressure. France fly-half Lionel Beauxis landed three penalties to edge Les Bleus ahead, but England rallied and will play either South Africa or Argentina in the final next Saturday.

The victory continues England's remarkable transformation from a team that looked down and out only four weeks ago. The mental strength that underpinned victories over Samoa, Tonga and Australia once again surfaced.

England, smashed 36-0 by South Africa at the same ground a month ago, returned to French rugby's 80,000-capacity home quietly confident they could send the host nation packing. And they made a spectacular start, taking the lead after just 80 seconds - courtesy of glaring complacency in defence.

Scrum-half Andy Gomarsall launched a speculative kick into the French 22, but full-back Damien Traille chose to invite a chasing Lewsey instead of clearing possession - and the result was costly. Lewsey pounced on Traille's indecision, touching down wide out - but Wilkinson missed the touchline conversion, before Beauxis kicked an eighth-minute penalty.

France soon established themselves in the game, monopolising possession as they edged ahead when Beauxis landed a 48-metre penalty - after powerhouse England scrummager Andrew Sheridan was punished for incorrect binding.

The second quarter proved a hugely disappointing affair, after such an intense opening - and with neither side's kicking game operating at maximum efficiency, errors abounded. Beauxis duly completed his penalty hat-trick on 44 minutes, but it was a harsh decision awarded against England by South African referee Jonathan Kaplan for an illegal ruck entry.

England stormed back up field, and Wilkinson rifled over an angled penalty - narrowing the gap to 9-8 when France failed to clear following a bungled Yannick Jauzion kick. France, despite enjoying the lion's share of possession and territory, could not break clear on the scoreboard - which meant England were still in contention.

When substitute flanker Joe Worsley produced a stunning try-saving tackle on Les Bleus wing Vincent Clerc, it underlined England's never-say-die spirit. Wilkinson then administered the killer blows, destroying France's World Cup dream.