ENGLAND reached the final of the Gillette Four Nations last night with a 28-6 win over New Zealand in front of a near sell-out at Hull's KC Stadium – a victory so convincing there is now real hope they can lift the trophy for the first time.

The Three Lions footballers might have taken the national headlines for defeating World Cup winners Spain, but, while Fabio Capello's men were giving a resolute defensive display, Steve McNamara's troops were outshining rugby league's world champions in every facet.

In another pulsating encounter following last week's defeat to Australia at Wembley, England led 8-0 at half-time and, while the Kiwis briefly threatened a comeback, two tries in the last eight minutes sealed victory and set up a final rematch against the Kangaroos next Saturday at Leeds' Elland Road.

Australia, who complete their group games against Wales today, with Yorkie Welshman Ross Divorty getting to face the world's best to end his excellent personal tournament, will be favourites, but England were underdogs last night too.

Gareth Ellis, the one-time Selby Warriors junior, was ruled out by the back injury suffered at Wembley so Jon Wilkin was promoted from the bench and Warrington forward Garreth Carvell came in as a substitute.

New Zealand had an early try ruled out – in a let-off for England's star man Sam Tomkins, who this week became the highest-paid player in Super League when signing a new long-term deal at Wigan. The full-back goofed under a high ball, but the Kiwi chasers were off-side.

Tomkins, who went on to have a blinder, was then hit by a wild late tackle but, like last week when Australia's Tony Williams illegally floored Ben Westwood, later to receive a one-match ban, the guilty party, Ben Matulino, again escaped with no card, the incident merely going on report.

Westwood was held up over the try-line on 12 minutes as England, aided by a growing penalty count, held the ascendancy in the opening quarter.

New Zealand's first penalty came on 24 minutes, but, after a fifth free-kick for England, winger Tom Briscoe put the hosts ahead. Kevin Sinfield goaled from the left touchline.

James Graham was held up under the posts as England went close again, before Sinfield extended the lead to 8-0 with a penalty from wide left on the half-time hooter. That was given after Isaac Luke twisted Rangi Chase's leg in another tackle which went on report. Chase, the Kiwi turned Englishman, had probably his best game of the tournament.

It became 14-0 as winger Ryan Hall, with a copycat finish to one of his belters last week, touched down by the right flag early in the second half, after great work under a Sinfield kick by Jack Reed. Sinfield again goaled from the touchline.

New Zealand pressed for a quick response with three consecutive sets in the danger zone but every attack was repelled.

Three more repeat sets around the hour mark saw the Kiwis go closer and they eventually crossed through winger Jason Nightingale in the right corner. Benji Marshall goaled expertly.

However, a penalty for another high tackle on Tomkins saw Sinfield eke the lead up to 16-6 with 14 minutes left.

Then, after the Kiwis threatened again with more repeat sets against an apparently tiring England, Hull winger Tom Briscoe, on his home ground, nicked the ball off Gerard Beale in a tackle at his own and, although he was hauled down 15 metres short, the set ended with Graham getting over.

Sinfield's goal made it 22-6 and England were there, with more cheer filling the Yorkshire venue when Tomkins stole in late on after Leeds' Jamie Jones-Buchanan broke through, Sinfield completing a 100 per cent goalkicking record.