Australia defeat England, did you expect anything different?

Have a read of Paul Fletcher's report.

Join us again next week for the Four Nations final as the Aussies take on New Zealand at Anfield.

Until then.

Paul Fletcher
BBC Sport at London Stadium

It hasn't taken long for the ground to empty out.

Just the odd Aussie fan left here and there as some of the Kangaroo players chat with them and sign autographs.

It has been another humbling afternoon for England - a reality check of the gulf that exists.

Jon Wilkin is analysing the England defeat now, on the BBC Sport Facebook page...

Jon Wilkin
Former England international on BBC Two

England have blooded a lot of young players. They've made mistakes, but they're learning and improving. I don't think England have gone backwards. 

Australia were phenomenal - I'm not sure any side could have beaten Australia tonight.

These Australian guys consistently perform. They deliver every single week.  

Justin Morgan
New Zealand assistant coach and former Hull KR boss

We're going to have to be good and learn how to absorb pressure. When you get chances against the Aussies, you have to be clinical and take them.

Australia head coach Mal Meninga: "It was a torrid game, very physical. England got off to a great start, we hung in there pretty well. We fixed a few things up, probably played more direct and got the result we're after. England are going places. 

"It's one of our goals (to be number one in the world). Every time we put a green and gold jersey on we want to play well. Back home, hopefully everyone's pleased with that effort. 

"It wasn't all our way. Each week we've been trying to improve. There's no doubt that having our spine back helps our cause a bit."

Chris: Possibly the worst England performance I've seen for a while 

Rhys Knott: "Tough" doesn't even begin to cover how difficult Jermaine McGillvary's day was. He looked absolutely bamboozled when in defence!

Tejas Hirani: Fair to say I believe New Zealand and Australia are way ahead of everyone else

Australia captain Cameron Smith: "We've still got a few things to work on for next week. We gave a way a few penalties, which we probably can't afford to do next week.  England can be proud of their performance today. 

"It's a hotly-contented Four Nations. All the boys were up for this game. We enjoy playing against England on home soil. We've enjoyed our time here so far and look forward to moving north next week."

England assistant coach Denis Betts: "You make errors against a quality side and you're going to pay the price. In the first half we didn't make touch, dropped the ball, and didn't create any pressure. 

"But we've given some lads some experience and the World Cup is a big target for us. We're trying to build something. We've got some good players and I don't think they realise how good they can be."

What does it say that England assistant Denis Betts has done the post-match TV interview as opposed to head coach Wayne Bennett?

Poor showing from the Australian. Front up man.

England captain Sam Burgess: "It's quite disappointing, the scoreline. I don't think they're that many points better than we are. 

"We let ourselves down in crucial moments. We missed touch twice, it's a big momentum swinger, but I'm really proud of my team for their effort but we have to work hard if we want to get to where we want to be. 

"There have been some great efforts throughout this tournament. We'll regroup and look forward to next year together."

Australia half-back Cooper Cronk: "I suppose every time you represent Australia it's an enjoyable occasion. It was the focus of our training week, we really wanted to execute our plays. 

"We did well tonight, we've been building as the competition has gone one and hopefully we'll be better next week."

What does the result mean? 

England are out.

Australia will meet New Zealand in the Four Nations final at Anfield next Sunday.

Something which has been written time and time again over the years:

Australia beat England again.

Jonathan Davies
Former dual code international on BBC One

The finishing from some of the wingers has been amazing. For Valentine Holmes, that's an easy finish for him. That'll be the photo in his living room when he's sat there in his slippers. 

Into the last minute, blow the whistle ref. End this.