Tonga looked out of the game when they trailed 20-0 with seven minutes left to play.

They had already crossed once through Tevita Pangai Junior, when Siliva Havili added a second score to make it 20-12 in England's favour...

More reaction on the way soon.

First, if you can bear it, let's replay the final few minutes of a bonkers semi-final and Tonga's remarkable comeback...

Dai Trembath: I’m English and I even wanted Tonga to win. But I am a union fan. This game was even better than Samoa vs Tonga

Rich Lord: That was probably the best international game I’ve seen in years. What spirit and commitment. Well done Tonga.

Image source, Getty Images

England coach Wayne Bennett: "I wasn't nervous (at the end). I wanted the hooter to go but nothing else. The time clock was on our side."

On Andrew Fifita's late disputed effort: "If it was a try, why didn't he give us a penalty when Jermaine McGillvary was stripped a minute before? It was the same.

"It was a quality game, they missed a couple of chances they could have taken, but our defence won the game for us to today and I'm pleased with that.

"The atmosphere was great, both teams turned up and we had a tough job. They're a quality team. We had our hands full, we were up for it and got the job done."

England coach Wayne Bennett is holding his post-match press conference, and he says there are injury doubts over hooker Josh Hodgson and captain Sean O'Loughlin for next Saturday's final.

More on that to come, I'm sure...

Justin Holbrook
St Helens head coach on BBC One

I don't think England should be too hard on themselves - Tonga have got that ability in them, and England largely nullified them. But in the end, it will be a relief for them that they're through. 22 years - they've been waiting a long time for a World Cup final, and the fact they're in one will be a great boost for Rugby League.

Image source, NRLPhotos

Paul Clelland: Rugby League, bloody hell! I think that was probably the most exciting last eight minutes of sport I’ve ever watched. Gutted for @tongaNRL, external, amazing fans who never gave up on their side

Mick D: I'm a #rugbyunited, external guy, but what a semi final that was #TonVsEng, external there only winner then and that was #rugbyleague, external#bbcrl, external

Tonga's players are still on the pitch, at least 30 minutes after the end of the game, singing songs and performing native dance.

The crowd are still packed into the stadium in Auckland.

It's spine-tingling stuff. What an impact Tonga have made on this World Cup.

Image source, Getty Images

So if you're just joining this live text commentary, firstly let me give you the good news if you're an England fan.

England won 20-18 to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1995 - they'll face Australia next Saturday (09:00 GMT).

But that was only half of the story. England led 20-0 with seven minutes left and almost let it slip against an inspired Tonga.

We'll have more reaction from England's semi-final win over the next hour or so.

Image source, Getty Images

Adam Parker: I was more nervous in that last five minutes than I was on this day last year when I was about to get married! Squeaky bum time! Unbelievable end to the game but get in there @England_RL, external

This was England's third and final try from John Bateman.

At that point England went 20-0 up and I thought it was the clincher. The one that would see Tonga off.

How wrong I was...

Craig O'Donnell: England has a full national side in the final of a sporting #WorldCup, external. Let’s hope our media & general public pick up on this & support it. It’s an achievement to be celebrated.

Mickey Hurley: Watched through my fingers in that last 5 minutes!!! Emotions got too much, must admit a few tears of relief rolled off the cheeks!!! #proud, external

England prop Chris Hill: "That beats the Grand Final - the atmosphere was insane. You couldn't hear the person next to you at times.

"My heart was in my socks at the end. We made it hard for ourselves.

"We've proved we can cope with the atmosphere and the occasion of a World Cup. We can take a lot of confidence."

Jon Wilkin
Former England international on BBC One

Tonga deserved that finish, because they have been fantastic all tournament. For an England sports fan, you just felt like it was one of those moments - we've been here before. Some ending.

I'm a bit surprised with the decision from the referee to not go upstairs for the video referee for the try he didn't give. It was a huge decision and, for me, it would have been a try in Super League. And in a semi-final - it was a big call, but he just backed himself.

Image source, NRLPhotos

England captain Sean O'Loughlin: "It's a massive accomplishment for us. That was an unreal game to be a part of.

"There are some big boys in the Tonga side and I thought we did well to handle them. They put us under pressure at the end. The turnout and support, even for us as well, has been fantastic."

David Llewelyn:@J_mcGillvary, external thank you but that was chuffin close at the end #bbcrl, external bring it home next weekend @Giantsrl, external doing us proud

Mike Woods: Occasionally Rugby League serves up the most incredible drama. What a game. Tonga, their fans and their hymns are brilliant. #RLWC, external#bbcrl, external

Andrew Fifita's last play is being replayed on BBC One right now - was it a loose carry or should Elliott Whitehead's tackle have been judged as a ball steal?

If the latter, then surely Fifita went on to recollect the ball and score a try?

This is what started it all - that late drama that really, really ratcheted up the tension.

Goodness me.

England were 20-0 up with seven minutes left, and almost lost. I can't believe what I've watched there.

Dave Woods
BBC Rugby League correspondent

England almost threw it away as Tonga nearly found a way - but England have held on. The whole occasion here, right from four hours before kick-off to the very last second, was something else. This was a unique rugby league event - I've never seen anything like it in all my years covering this game. This will live long in the memory.