England kept their World Cup defence on course with a stunning 12-10 victory over Australia to book a place in the semi-finals against either New Zealand or France.

Jonny Wilkinson, who kicked a last-minute drop goal to win the 2003 final against Australia, was once again the architect, booting four penalties from seven attempts.

The Wallabies scored the only try of the match when wing Lote Tuqiri crossed out wide in the first half but were unable to win enough possession from England's powerful forwards to score again.

Australia, World Cup winners in 1991 and 1999, went into the game as favourites and had a chance to steal victory at the death but skipper Stirling Mortlock missed with a long-range penalty attempt.

"It wasn't pretty, a bit like my face, and I can't believe it to be honest," said England scrum-half Andy Gomarsall. "It was sheer grit and bloody-mindedness. Things we planned to do didn't come off so we haven't shown anything again but the determination and sheer grit was phenomenal.

"We believed we could do it, plenty believed we couldn't but the fans were unbelievable, every time we got a turnover they inspired us to victory."