Summary

  • Use play icon at top of page to watch BBC Two & BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra coverage (UK only)

  • Tom Halliwell's second try with three minutes left gives England 28-24 win

  • Nicolas Clausells penalty had brought France level at 24-24 after Nathan Collins had given England two-point lead

  • Lionel Alazard's early penalty and try, plus Mostefa Abassi score, helped France to 14-12 half-time lead

  • Tom Halliwell and Jack Brown with England first-half scores

  • Lewis King and Brown again extended lead, but Gilles Clausells try and Nicolas Clausells penalty bought France level at 22-22

  • Get involved with #bbcrl

Live Reporting

Joe Rindl

  1. England 0-8 France

    Nope, France go for territory. Why not? They're on top at the mo.

  2. England 0-8 France

    France are gifted a penalty after sloppy play from Joe Coyd.

    Will France kick for goal?

  3. England 0-8 France

    Mark Wilson
    BBC Sport commentator on BBC Two

    I don't know if you saw it, but Joe Coyd reapplied the tag there as he put the ball down, hoping the referee wouldn't notice.

  4. England 0-8 France

    What a tackle from Nico Clausells right in the left corner as Bechara sets up Lewis King.

    King is seconds away from grounding but the ball is knocked from his grasp.

  5. England 0-8 France

    England's Joe Coyd goes over but he'd already been tackled. The hosts will go again.

  6. England 0-8 France

    France offside. England have a whole set four metres from the line.

  7. England 0-8 France

    England counter. They're right up to the line now through a Seb Bechara carry.

  8. England 0-8 France

    England are two scores behind for the first time at this World Cup.

    They benefit from a penalty after a French player hits Joe Coyd off the ball.

  9. England 0-8 France

    Kyle Amor
    Former Ireland prop on BBC Two

    Julien PenellaGetty Images

    England are on the back foot. They just can’t handle the pace of the French at the minute.

  10. try

    TRY - England 0-8 France

    Lionel Alazard, goal Nicolass Clausells

    England are on the ropes, France are so good on the counter.

    There's room on the left and the holders switch the ball quickly, setting up Lionel Alazard to finish in the corner.

    He dives for the floor and picks up an injury as he crosses.

    Nicolas Clausells' kick for extras is good.

    Alazard opens scoring for France in World Cup final

  11. England 0-2 France

    Huge hit! Bechara on Bouson the two best players in the world.

    France lose the ball but the referee awards them a penalty.

  12. England 0-2 France

    France look scary on the break. A grubber kick is batted behind by England's Coyd with a French winger waiting.

  13. England 0-2 France

    No!!!!

    Skipper Tom Halliwell drops the ball as he falls out of his chair. Knock-on given.

  14. England 0-2 France

    England are knocking on the door. France scramble in defence and two players almost fall out of their chair.

    Is this England's moment? Set restart eight metres out.

  15. England 0-2 France

    Joe Coyd forces a French player out of play while in possession. England get the ball back in fine territory.

  16. England 0-2 France

    A delicate kick from England's Joe Coyd drops dead and Jeremy Bourson has to carry it over the backline.

    England will receive a drop-out. Much better.

  17. England 0-2 France

    France keep coming, England haven't had an attack yet.

    France end a set with another heavy kick that goes off the pitch.

  18. PENALTY - England 0-2 France

    Lionel Alazard

    Lionel AlazardGetty Images

    A silly error from Rob Hawkins and France punish England.

    Lionel Alazard punches over to score the first points of the World Cup final.

  19. England 0-0 France

    Freya Levy
    Former England international on BBC Two

    The team that makes the fewest errors will win tonight. I think there might be a few nerves in the opening minutes as the players just settle down.

  20. England 0-0 France

    England block France's first attack well, forcing the holders to punch a kick over the back line.

    Oh no, a handling error gives France the ball back. They'll kick for goal.