ENGLAND’S hopes of lifting the Rugby League World Cup came to a heartbreaking end this afternoon.

Stephen Crichton’s golden-point drop goal sealed a 27-26 victory for Samoa at the Emirates Stadium, denying Shaun Wane’s side a spot in next week’s final against Australia.

Warrington Wolves’ George Williams made two crucial interventions by setting up two tries with breaks, but Samoa gained vengeance for the 60-6 opening-day loss England inflicted upon them.

Wane's only change from last week's thumping last-eight win over Papua New Guinea came on the bench, where Luke Thompson replaced St Helens forward Matty Lees.

Fa'amanu Brown replaced Danny Levi as hooker for Samoa, who were looking to avenge their 60-6 defeat to the hosts in the opening game of the tournament four weeks ago.

England were left with it all to do in the second half after a sluggish start saw them trailing 10-6 at the interval.

A soft early try from Tim Lafai put Samoa in control and it took 25 minutes for England to wrest control when Williams sent Elliott Whitehead over unchallenged.

Tommy Makinson kicked England ahead but, after Dom Young fumbled a golden chance for a second, Ligi Sao pierced the England line as he slid over from dummy-half, with Stephen Crichton's conversion extending Samoa's advantage.

Both sides went on to trade blows and blunders in equal measure in a quite sensational second half that went right down to the wire.

Morgan Knowles reduced England's deficit then tries from Stephen Crichton and Tim Lafai stretched Samoa's advantage to eight points at 20-12.

Herbie Farnworth wriggled through to score his first and a Makinson penalty levelled matters before a mistake by Victor Radley let in Crichton for a potentially match-winning interception.

But there was still time for Farnworth to burst clear and force a golden point finale, in which Elliott Whitehead charged down the first attempt by Anthony Milford.

England did not survive the second attempt, however, with Crichton keeping his nerve to seal an astonishing 27-26 win and leave the hosts heartbroken.