England 26-27 Samoa records amazing attendance as England fans left broken hearted

Anyone who was at Wembley in 2013 likely felt as though they were reliving a real low moment as England slipped up at the Emirates Stadium today as Samoa booked their place in the Rugby League World Cup Final.

It was one of the most dramatic games of rugby of the last decade. England looked out of it after a lukewarm first 50 minutes alongside a number of errors from a side who were red hot all tournament made it look as though Samoa were set to play in the final as they trailed 20-12.

Then England fans coupled with a big hit from Mike McMeeken turned things around. Herbie Farnworth got the try to drag England back into the contest before a somewhat soft penalty from Tommy Makinson allowed England to level it.

England again seemed to have blown it when Victor Radley threw an intercept allowing Stephen Crichton to race away and score what seemed to be the winner.

But a brilliant break from George Williams as he tore up field saw Farnworth score a second as England levelled it.

In the last minute England had the chance to win it as Elliot Whitehead burst through but instead of holding on and setting up for the one, he offloaded it and an error ensured it was the last game of the 80.

So we headed into Golden Point during which an error from Jack Welsby gave Samoa a chance of winning it only for Whitehead to block the drop goal attempt.

Then England again coughed up possession with a forward pass and this time Crichton nailed a winning drop goal.

But how many fans did this leave disappointed? Well, 40,489 fans were in London today to see a second classic World Cup semi-final in two days.

It was good to see a strong Samoa contingent willing their side on to victory as well as 90% of the stadium at one stage changing “England” urging them on.

Hopefully this can be the springboard for bigger events.