Eddie Jones’ side sealed a seventh-successive victory over Australia, scoring four tries in a 40-16 win over the Wallabies.

They will now face either New Zealand or Ireland in the last four of the tournament in Japan, following their fourth victory in Japan.

England led 17-9 at the break, two tries from Jonny May and nine points from the boot of Owen Farrell giving them an eight-point advantage while Christian Lealiifano kicked three Australia penalties.

Australia scored a second-half try through Marika Koroibete, but tries from Kyle Sinckler and Anthony Watson, as well as a further 11 points from Farrell, secured victory.

Magic May

Australia made a fast start going through 18 phases inside two minutes and despite threatening, England’s defence was disciplined and Manu Tuilagi eventually disrupted the attack and alleviated the pressure.

The Wallabies had the first points of the game on 10 minutes, Lealiifano sending over a penalty following a high tackle from Billy Vunipola.

But England had the first try of the game, May going over in the corner after a clinical attack gave the Leicester flyer room on the left wing to cross.

For May it was a 26th try in 50 caps in what has been a stellar year for the wing, crossing eight times for his country in 2019.

A second followed a minute later, May again the man to dot down, Henry Slade showing great awareness to kick through and the wing won the foot race to score.

Lealiifano’s penalty reduced the deficit to 14-6, and although Farrell extended that lead, a further Wallabies kick took the score to 17-9 at the break.

Superb Sinckler

Marika Koroibete seared down the left wing to cross for a first Australia try shortly after the restart, showing blistering pace to score having initially taken the ball on halfway and Lealiifano converted for 17-16.

But Sinckler cut a fine line off Farrell’s flat pass to break the Australia defence on the 22m line and he crossed for a third England try.

For Sinckler it was a first international try for his country, in his first Rugby World Cup as he continued to add to his growing reputation.

Dominant defence

Farrell’s penalty on 50 minutes took the score to 27-17 and a key defensive set on the hour kept Australia at bay in what was a crucial phase of the match.

Two further Farrell penalties gave England a 17-point lead as the side kept the scoreboard ticking over.

Watson's intercepted try late on helped seal victory and Farrell added gloss to performance with his fourth conversion and 20th point of the game.

This was a victory as much built on defence as it was attack, England making 181 tackles compared to Australia's 78 with man of the match Tom Curry at the heart of that.

What next?

England will now turn their attention to a semi-final against either New Zealand or Ireland in Yokohama at 09:00am, live on ITV. They last defeated New Zealand on 1 December 2012.

Teams

England

Elliot Daly; Anthony Watson, Henry Slade, Manu Tuilagi, Jonny May; Owen Farrell, Ben Youngs; Mako Vunipola, Jamie George, Kyle Sinckler; Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes; Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Billy Vunipola.

Finishers: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Joe Marler, Dan Cole, George Kruis, Lewis Ludlam, Willi Heinz, George Ford, Jonathan Joseph.

Australia

Kurtley Beale, Reece Hodge, Jordan Petaia, Samu Kerevi, Marika Koroibete, Christian Lealiifano, Will Genia, Allan Alaalatoa, Tolu Latu, Scott Sio, Rory Arnold, Izack Rodda, Isi Naisarani, Michael Hooper (c), David Pocock.

Reserves: Jordan Uelese, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Adam Coleman, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Nic White, Matt To’omua, James O’Connor.