What do England do to turn this round in the second-half?

Some aspects they can't really effect, they're made to work hard by Australia, who largely dictate the flow of the game.

When England have the ball I guess it's a case of patience.

Let's see what Sam Tomkins thinks...

Iestyn Harris
Former Great Britain and Wales international on BBC Radio 5 live

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If England have an Achilles heel it's not being able to hold the ball in key positions and that's been the case.

Sam Tomkins
England international on BBC One

I think it's been good. England will be happy with 6-0.

Australia have had plenty of ball on their try line and Luke Gale mentioned field position is key but they'll be happy with that.

Robbie Hunter-Paul
Former New Zealand international on BBC One

England are matching Australia.

Hopefully in the second half they'll be patient with their opportunities and like they've done earlier in the tournament - come out and dominate.

Brian Noble
Ex-Great Britain coach on BBC One

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We've just got to get England to execute a bit better. They're in the game. They're playing their socks off.

Australia's Boyd Cordner: "We cannot give England good field position. The pace is good and it should be a good second half."

England's Luke Gale: "It is a battle of field position. It will go down to the less 10 minutes and field position will be crucial. The team that holds possession best will come out on top."

And breathe.

I think we all need a lie-down. The players certainly do. Gruelling pace.

Let's hear from the two camps at half-way.

England showed bucketloads of heart, bucketloads of desire and bucketloads of defensive mettle but still find themselves down on the board.

Boyd Cordner scored early on and Australia might have thought it was time to cut loose but they didn't - much of that comes down to England making life tough for them.

Six points in it. It's tight, it's close. It's 40 minutes to go and it's still game on.

Thought for a moment Boyd Cordner was going to part the Red Sea like Moses as he sauntered down the middle of the park but England shut the door.

England clear up the end of the set.

Then Australia get a scrum for a forward pass, Cooper Cronk went for a drop goal... blocked!

Half-time.

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Brian Noble
Ex-Great Britain coach on BBC One

Everything England are doing at the moment is fantastic - but they just can't hold on to the ball long enough at key moments.

Australia fail to execute when in a brilliant position. England made life difficult for them.

It's a really fraught, tense game so far. Low on absolute gems but high on drama and nerves.

Ian Millward
Former St Helens coach on BBC One

Very rare that Australia give a penalty away on the last tackle. England have got to capitalise.

England get a penalty for interference. It's tapped and driven in by James Graham.

Then a misplaced pass just tosses away the opportunity in the danger zone. Australia looked vulnerable there. But the pressure evaporates.

Rain tumbling down in Brisbane. That will liven things up a bit.

Ian Millward
Former St Helens coach on BBC One

People don't kick for hope, do they? That's not a good strategy.

Both teams know who they want to kick and that's Luke Gale for England and Cooper Cronk for Australia.

Australia go for a 40-20, Cameron Smith sweeps it downfield looking for that quick-tap reward inside the 10... kicking from inside his own 40 and bidding to pitch in the opposition 20 and out of play.

Just short. England get the scrum instead and Jermaine McGillvary blasts forward to put his team on the front foot.

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Elliott Whitehead has made some tackles for England. Sore just watching him. Perpetual motion like Ray Price the old Kangaroos forward.

Gareth Widdop has had a smart game too, beautifully mopping up another kick.

England running aground a bit in midfield, their defensive work does take it toll. Whatever anyone says about Luke Gale in this tournament, he is having a cracker. His kicking game is on point at the moment. He slings another kick to touch deep in the Australia half for a breather. Foot like a traction engine.

Ian Millward
Former St Helens coach on BBC One

Australia are looking to sucker punch England here - they have been kicking to the wingers but Billy Slater is looking dangerous in the middle.

England have to be on their guard.

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Ross Ridout: Is it too early to start drinking?

There's a real breakneck pace to this final, it is intense. My colleague just compared the level of intent to State of Origin, which says just how good this is.

England again cope with a testing last tackle kick but Australia up on the chase. Half an hour up already... where has time gone?!

Brian Noble
Ex-Great Britain coach on BBC One

It's taking the toll on England the pace of this game but they cannot afford to lose concentration here so close to the break.

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