England victorious
Lawrence Dallaglio leads England's post-match celebrations
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Sunday, 14, Oct 2007 01:23
England have reached the World Cup final for the third time after a momentous 14-9 victory over hosts France in the semi-final.
Jonny Wilkinson scored the crucial points to see England through, but it was a true team performance that saw a formidable French team overcome.
 | Josh Lewsey got England off to a perfect start after capitalising on a Damien Traille error. |
 | Andrew Sheridan did his best to repel the anticipated French fight-back. |
 | And despite the best efforts of Jason Robinson, who rolled back the years to deliver a vintage performance, three Lionel Beauxis penalties put France in the driving seat. |
 | But Jonny Wilkinson, England's hero in 2003, came good when it mattered the most, scoring the crucial points that pushed England back in front. |
 | Cue some desperate defending as French rugby icon Sebastien Chabal launched a second French comeback. |
 | But the final whistle came without France adding to their score, sparking jubilant scenes among the English players. |
 | And despair among their French counterparts. |
 | Jonny Wilkinson attempted to console Sebastien Chabal after the final whistle. |
 | While England fans, some of whom had travelled a long way, made themselves heard in the Stade de France. |
 | England coach Brian Ashton hailed his players' "bulldog spirit". |
 | England now await their opponents in the final determined to defend their World Cup crown. |