England 26-27 Samoa: Rugby League World Cup semi-final – live reaction

Here we are, back where it all began: England are playing Samoa at a Premier League football ground. On that day, at the start of the tournament, England racked up an impressive 60-6 triumph against one of the favourites to lay their down a marker.

Samoa have since shown why some tipped them to go a long way with some impressive displays. They edged out Tonga in the quarter finals 20-18 and they know they will have to be better if they are to gain revenge against England.

Shaun Wane’s side have been unstoppable thus far. Papua New Guinea were brushed aside in their first knockout match after a breezy group stage. The challenge for England is to maintain the momentum they have collected. Apart from a brief lack of discipline against France, the standard of performances from England have been of the highest calibre.

Awaiting the victors of today’s game is Australia after their 16-14 triumph over rivals New Zealand at Elland Road last night. That game is being described as one of the greatest rugby league matches in history, so hopefully we will see more of the same.

It should be a cracking encounter at the Emirates!

Kick-off: 2.3opm GMT