England vs Fiji live updates from Rugby World Cup quarter-final clash

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England take on Fiji in Marseille (Image: David Rogers/Getty Images)
England take on Fiji in Marseille (Image: David Rogers/Getty Images)

England are bidding to make the Rugby World Cup semi-finals as they take on Fiji in Marseille.

The focus is on Marseille after Saturday's thrilling quarter-final matches, which saw New Zealand and Argentina progress, as Steve Borthwick's side bid to become the first northern hemisphere side in the last four.

England won all four of their Pool D matches but are yet to truly hit top form and will be out to avenge their defeat in a pre-tournament warm-up match between the two sides.

That win was the first time ever that Fiji had beaten England and they will now eye another shock to secure their place in the semi-finals against either France or South Africa.

You can follow all the action from Marseille right here with Mirror Sport.

England star Joe Marler reflects on lowest point after fight with pregnant wife dqxikeidqkikdinvEngland star Joe Marler reflects on lowest point after fight with pregnant wife

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That's it from the live blog.

Do read Andy Dunn's report here.

And enjoy this clip of Ben Earl's lung-busting run when the game was on the line.

Fiji captain bows out

Waisea Nayacalevu has spoken to the media. He said: "I want to say that I’m proud of the team effort. We know we fell short. The team, the coaching staff, the management, what a proud moment for us to be here. I want to thank our supporters. Here in the stands and back home. It’s not easy for us. We keep fighting, fighting to the end. I want to thank you for supporting us, for guiding us and praying for us.

"I told the boys to keep to our basics. To keep the ball and we;’d get an opportunity at the end. Unfortunately a few calls didn’t go our way but that’s rugby. We’ve been together a long time. There are a lot of emotions. I’m so proud of this team."

Wilkinson's take

England legend Jonny Wilkinson has given his take to ITV.

“All the games have left me on edge. It was a brilliant performance from both teams they both entered into the spirit it was fast and physical," he said.

"Lawes and Earl were just working so hard to get those penalties. Earl was outstanding. They had to dig in and when the Fijians get their hands free in the backs it’s almost game over. It’s been a massive team effort and now they have to be ready for next one.”

Farrell's reaction

Owen Farrell's kicking from the tee was crucial to England's win tonight. He scored a drop-goal at 24-24 and the final penalty.

Borthwick changes half of England team for Six Nations opener against ScotlandBorthwick changes half of England team for Six Nations opener against Scotland

"They’re a tough, tough team who can turn it on the blink of an eye. I thought we started the game really well," he said. "We always knew Fiji would have some good patches and they certainly did. To get through the semi-finals is a big step forward. We know we’ve got plenty of work to do."

England vs Fiji live updates from Rugby World Cup quarter-final clashOwen Farrell has been good off the kicking tee today (SYLVAIN THOMAS/AFP via Getty Images)

England semi-final opponents

England will play the winner of France vs South Africa in the semi-final.

The hosts take on the Springboks at 8pm tonight.

Tale of the game

England scored two first-half tries through Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant and led 21-10 at the break.

Fiji fought back admirably to level things at 24-24, but an Owen Farrell drop-goal and penalty - and some steely defence - got them over the line after 85 minutes.

FT: England 30-24 Fiji

England have done it!

Courtney Lawes gets over the ball and wins a penalty for Fiji not releasing. A fitting way to close it out.

Penalty to Fiji

Owen Farrell has been penalised for a deliberate knock-on. It's a penalty, but not a yellow card, as he wasn't preventing a try-scoring opportunity.

Fiji kick it for a line-out and we're still going....

Check for a deliberate knock-on

The referee is checking whether Owen Farrell has deliberately knocked on the ball...

82 mins

Fiji going backwards here...

80 mins

The ball is out of the scrum. This is the match.

80 mins

Clock is still running as the referee orders another scrum. Last chance saloon.

79 mins

Fiji have the put-in at the scum. They need a converted try...

England 30-24 Fiji

Owen Farrell kicks through the posts after taking his sweet time.

England have two and a half minutes to see it out.

Earl breaks free

Wow, what a run from Ben Earl!

The England No8 shows a staggering turn of pace, charging through the lines to get into the Fiji 22.

England win a penalty and this could be the game...

75 mins

First scrum collapses, second one sees Billy Vunipola run clear with the ball.

England just winding down the clock now.

73 mins

Fiji knock on at the line-out and ruin a great opportunity to put pressure on.

England get the scrum and can run down the clock.

England 27-24 Fiji

Owen Farrell drop-goal!

England try a few phases, battering away at the Fiji defence, before Farrell decides to take three points with a close-range drop-goal.

They re-take the lead. Nine minutes left.

Try! Botitu

Wow, the game has turned on its head. Semi Radradra breaks the line and an offload is perfect for Vilimoni Botitu, who goes over.

The score stands at 24-24.

Missed penalty

Fiji get a penalty for Courtney Lawes playing the ball while off his feet in the ruck.

The penalty comes back off the upright, but Fiji win it and now have possession in the England 22.

Try! Ravai

Fiji go from side to side, bludgeoning a way through the England defence. And they make their pressure count, with Peni Ravai getting over.

The conversion is good and it's game on at 24-17.

62 mins

England's scrum wins a penalty and Owen Farrell boots it clear.

Subs on

Joe Marler and Danny Care are on for Ellis Genge and Alex Mitchell.

60 mins

Another handling error from Fiji, who get into the England 22 but knock the ball on to concede possession.

The mistakes are killing the Fiji game at the moment.

Curry vs Botia

Tom Curry briefly squares up to his opposite number Levani Botia, but nothing much comes of it.

Fiji clear from a penalty.

Missed penalty

Fiji try to go forward but concede another penalty for crossing.

Owen Farrell goes for another penalty, but his effort drops just short of the posts.

England 24-10 Fiji

England win a line-out and push forwards before an offside Fijian defender allows Owen Farrell another penalty, which he happily boots through the posts.

50 mins

Another big turnover from Courtney Lawes! Pinches the ball with a jackle inside his own 22 and Alex Mitchell boots clear.

49 mins

Bit of Fijian magic off the back of a line-out, but two knock-ons bring the referee's whistle.

Again, England won't mind a stop-start game while they have a comfortable lead.

Bit of aggro

Ellis Genge is at the centre of things as Fiji win a penalty to turn over the ball near the try line.

Owen Farrell can be heard telling the referee "he slapped him" but nothing is doing. Fiji clear with a kick.

Felix Keith

Rugby World Cup, England rugby union team, Steve Borthwick

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