New Zealand v England

1. FT: New Zealand 16-14 England
2. Nightingale (2), Vatuvei for Kiwis
3. Hall (2) and Charnley for England
4. England relying on other results to make final

Right, on that semi-positive note, it is time for us to disappear down the BBC Sport tunnel. England's players will be glued to their television screens tomorrow to see if Samoa can narrowly beat the Aussies in their own backyard. If you're not setting yourself an early alarm call (the game kicks off at 05:00 GMT) then you can catch up by reading our match report.

And if we are talking you through a Four Nations final next weekend which does feature England, then we will all have witnessed the Wonder of Wollongong. See you next week!

What's that sound I can hear from the England camp? The collective clutching of straws? Perhaps. But let's not write off Samoa shall we. The Pacific Islanders gave England a pre-Hallowe'en fright before succumbing to a 32-26 defeat, while they pushed the Kiwis even harder in a 14-12 loss.

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Three hours ago, we still didn't know which two sides would be contesting next Saturday's Four Nations final. Fast forward to now, and we know that New Zealand are definitely going for glory in their capital city. What we still don't know is who will join them. The odds are stacked in favour of world champions Australia, with an outside chance for England or Samoa.

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NRL: Thanks for having us Dunedin. Your @NZRL_Kiwis now head to Wellington for the #4Nations Final.

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Mark Halstead: Time for a change. McNamara can't get that extra six points out of this team.

Coach reaction

England coach Steve McNamara: "We are frustrated, it was a fingernail last week and a width of the goalpost this week. We have been involved in three tremendous Test matches. They're a young group and to apply themselves the way they have done...we are still in it with a chance of making the final but today was desperately close.

"New Zealand are a really good team and hit us with a couple of sucker punches. Both teams were out on their feet at the end, there was nothing left.

"Credit to both countries and we will come back stronger from this."

Jon Wilkin

Former England international on BBC Two

"It was a fantastic Test match but England were not quite clinical enough at the crucial times. The standard in this tournament has been really high."

How the table stands

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Player reaction

England full-back Sam Tomkins: "It was a terrific match, two points in it is what you want in international rugby. It's a shame we're not on the winning side but you can't question the effort of the boys, every week we have given it 100%.

"It is disappointing to lose and looks like we won't make the final. But we have a very young team and it would have been phenomenal for the lads on their first tour to make the final.

"But we have made huge strides. You look at the talent and you look at how long this side can stay together for.

"We threw a lot at New Zealand, and make no mistake we didn't play badly. But New Zealand are a good side, they played as well as us and got the right side of the result."

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England captain Sean O'Loughlin: "We knew it was going to be tough, but credit to our boys, they dug in and we had a big go but we have just come up short. It is out of our hands now. We will now have to wait and see what happens."

New Zealand captain Simon Mannering: "It has been a great tournament and keeps getting better to watch. England played some great footy and defensively put us under a lot of pressure."

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Jamie Peacock

Former England captain on BBC Two

"Sport can be cruel sometimes. England were under pressure to play well again today - and you ask yourself when will this team finally get over the line?

"This team will only grow until the World Cup in 2017."

But all that number-crunching will be irrelevant if an under-strength and below-par Australia beat the Samoans. Two points for the Kangaroos will seal their spot against New Zealand in Wellington next Saturday.

If Samoa win by exactly eight points then it goes to down points percentage - which will be the same. That means we then go to tries scored, which obviously we won't know until tomorrow. England have scored 10 tries, with Samoa currently on eight...

If England were to be beaten then it had to be narrow. Like two points narrow. That means they can still go through - if Samoa manage to beat Australia by less than eight points.

Full time

And that allows referee Phil Bentham to call time on another thrilling match. But the result it is not thrilling for England - they are staring elimination squarely in the face.

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Oh no. Can you believe it. Seconds after being given another chance, England blow it. James Graham is the unfortunate culprit, allowing the ball to slide out of his greasy palms.

England win a penalty inside the 20m line! Drama o'clock...

This. Is. It. England are playing basketball on the last...

England have a break! Gareth Widdop pounces on a loose ball and gallops forward...

England start again from almost their own line, before Kallum Watkins puts on his dancing shoes to create some room on the right flank. Unfortunately one of his winklepickers touches the whitewash as he offloads to Josh Charnley. Ball back with the Kiwis...

Ian Millward

Former Super League and Australian NRL coach on BBC Two

"I have got to give New Zealand credit - they way they are making England start on their own line."

A weary England forward line fail to make any hard yards as Matty Smith kicks out from his own half. Advantage New Zealand with three minutes (and a bit more) left on the clock...

Ian Millward

Former Super League and Australian NRL coach on BBC Two

"It is an interesting period this - England need a double set desperately."

Kieran Foran eyes up a gap, before Simon Mannering is held up short. New Zealand keep the ball alive before another poor kick helps out England.

Chance for England down the left - but it ends with an accidental offside as Joel Tomkins clatters the ball into the head of team-mate Kallum Watkins. The Kiwis have possession with six minutes to go...

Boom! The ticking time bomb of pressure has exploded. Spectacularly. Sam Tomkins brilliantly recovers the ball from behind his points, getting to safety, before reacting angrily to Kieran Foran's tackle with a tap on the head.

The Kiwi stand-off goes head-to-head with Tomkins, before Joel Tomkins steams in from the left to floor Foran with a shoulder charge. That's brotherly love for you...

Brian Noble

Former Great Britain coach on BBC Two

"I think we have got two really tired teams here. The pace of the second half has really taken it's toll."

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Sam Tomkins comes to the rescue with a last-ditch tackle, before New Zealand cheaply hand back possession with a poor kick.

Less than 10 minutes to go. England NEED to win...

Ian Millward

Former Super League and Australian NRL coach on BBC Two

"The off-loads are really hurting England at the moment. The clock is ticking quick."

An explosion of noise in Dunedin as the home fans chant 'Kiwis, Kiwis' with the menace of the Zulus in the Battle of Rourke's Drift. England hang on in that set, before the Kiwis press again....

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Nick Roberts: Yet again missed opportunities will cost England against NZ, just like last week against Oz. We've got to be more ruthless.

England are camped in the Kiwi 20m line with three tackles left. They're running down blind alleys though, forcing Matty Smith into launching a kick on the last. But it is not incisive enough, allowing Jason Nightingale to pluck out and give New Zealand possession.

Contentious decision from referee Phil Bentham sets up another wave of New Zealand attacks. England hold on, as Kiwi captain Simon Mannering bursts through a gap before a pack of white shirts - led by Matty Smith - drag him back.

Ryan Hall gathers the high kick on the last, then races to the 20m line to tap England into action again....

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Jordan Fiddes: If NZ were smart, they would go for a drop goal now. Don't think they have it in their mentality though!

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Time to catch breath. England hooker Daryl Clark gets an elbow from team-mate George Burgess as Kiwi hooker Isaac Luke knocks on to hand over the ball.

But not for long. England press with a quick shift to the left, but Dan Sarginson's grubber is easily scooped up by home full-back Peta Hiku.

And New Zealand should have been first to keep the scoreboard ticking. A crossfield kick to the left finds an isolated Manu Vatuvei as the right hand side of England defence goes walkabout. Centre Kallum Watkins finds himself toe-to-toe with the Kiwi winger, who loses control and sees the chance go down the plughole.

Do not go anywhere. The kids will have to miss gymnastics class. The weekly shop can be done this afternoon. A lot more points are going to put on the scoreboard. Twenty minutes of fun and games to go....

Ian Millward

Former Super League and Australian NRL coach on BBC Two

"There is definitely, definitely more points in this game."

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Mr Waldram: Get in!

Dave Blackburn: Normal service resumed #RyanHall

Brian Noble

Former Great Britain coach on BBC Two

"Great finish from Ryan Hall. How many players have profited from the high kick today? Quick hands and Hall did not make a hash of that one. It has become more of a game of basketball, going from end to end."

Ian Millward

Former Super League and Australian NRL coach on BBC Two

"I just love the way that Dan Sarginson has stepped up into this tournament - last week everyone was saying 'Dan who?'.

"It is absolutely wide open in the ruck area now."

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CONVERTED TRY

England are back in it! Ryan Hall finishes tries easier than a hungry dad finishes his cornflakes (apart from about 14 minutes ago obviously...). The Kiwis spill Matty Smith's high kick, Sam Tomkins gathers before a quick pass left finds Dan Sarginson to stick in Hall. This time, Gareth Widdop manages to avoid that cheeky woodwork - just - and England are within two points.

England scrum-half Matty Smith drops his shoulder to find a gap but is tugged back by his shorts. Kiwi winger Manu Vatuvei juggles a poor England kick but manages to keep hold of it and retain possession. This game is more open than a 24-hour petrol station now.

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Dave Morton: Spot of half-time tackling practice in the Morton household

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Ian Millward

Former Super League and Australian NRL coach on BBC Two

"England are not going to die wondering here but I have to say that they have got to be taking some of their opportunities. They had a four on one there."

Brian Noble

Former Great Britain coach on BBC Two

"England just can't find that extra pass they need. New Zealand were short but England just lack that composure."

Cutting break from England as James Graham and Sean O'Loughlin combine to put in Daryl Clark. He can't find support though and when the ball is recycled Brett Ferres inexplicably knocks on. Ball back to the Kiwis...

Powerhouse prop James Graham sprints back on to the field as England gamely chase down the Kiwis. The visitors are momentarily stretched but manage to pin down Kieran Foran on the last. Remember, if the scoreline gets any worse then England are definitely out of the tournament with no chance of reaching the Four Nations final.

Ian Millward

Former Super League and Australian NRL coach on BBC Two

"It is all about execution. Manu Vatuvei, the towering juggernaut, you won't stop him when he is running. The two centres and wingers for England have been very hesitant at times and it has been the difference between scoring and not scoring."

TRY

It's a cruel, cruel game. England could have been level, now they are further behind. Kiwi winger Manu Vatuvei dives over in the left corner, but Shaun Johnson fails to add the extras. Uphill task for England now.

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From one try line to the other in a blink of an eye. Another kick from Shaun Johnson causes bother. Sam Tomkins races across to gather but slips behind the posts. In-goal drop out for the visitors.

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Ian Millward

Former Super League and Australian NRL coach on BBC Two

"The stats were pretty high for England having the ball in the opening 40 minutes so they would have liked to have been in front in the first half. New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney will have been the happier coach with the work they had to do.

"At this level England really have to turn their possession into points."

NO TRY

Nope, his foot isn't in touch. That's the good news. The bad news is that Hall loses his one-handed grip on the ball as tries to ground. Let off for the Kiwis.

TRY REVIEW

Early chance for England! Ryan Hall touches down on the left - but was the England winger's left foot in touch? Let's have a look at the replays...

Kick-off

Referee Phil Bentham gives his whistle a good toot, which is followed by England scrum-half Matty Smith sticking his laces through the ball. And that means the second half is under way. If you're only just waking from your slumber (shame on you) - England must win remember.

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Christopher Crowther: Really good first half of rugby league. England maybe unlucky to be behind at half time but have held their own against strong side. I can see England winning this game with the same intensity in second half but 10 points might be a bit of a stretch.

Matthew West: NZ right hand side is where the points are at.

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Julian Graham: All the way from DC #rlbreakfast c'mon England

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Jamie Peacock

Former England captain on BBC Two

"New Zealand have been targeting the side where Ryan Hall is defending. But England played well in the opening half."

Jon Wilkin

Former England international on BBC Two

"England are blessed that they have Sean O'Loughlin and James Graham in the middle, they are probably two of the best ball-playing forwards in world rugby. O'Loughlin had an opportunity, put it on the money and created the second try for England."

Robbie Hunter-Paul

Former New Zealand international on BBC Two

"It is a great game - it is international class, with both teams throwing everything at one another."

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Jordan W: We have no chance of beating New Zealand by 10 points

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Ed Salinger: Please can the commentators stop banging on bout 10pt margins, beating NZ in NZ plenty tough enough. Samoa will give Oz a game too

Gareth Walker: Jumping around the living room all morning. Another proper half of international #rugbyleague. Still fully in this

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Jamie Peacock

Former England captain on BBC Two

"The frustration for England is that their errors have been schoolboy errors - and then for 10 minutes you are on the back foot and trying to get your way into the game. I have been there - it is very difficult."

Half-time

How we feeling England fans? Plenty of encouragement for Steve McNamara's men, despite the scoreline, battling back from that hammer blow of an opening Kiwi try within seconds of the start.

But as things stand they will need a favour from Samoa against Australia tomorrow if they can't turn this deficit into a 10-point win...

Half-time

A Kiwi forward pass gives England another sneaky set before the half-time hooter. England creep forward, Liam Farrell aggressive pumping into the opposition line, but is held about a foot short of the whitewash.

Cue a whirling wail of noise from the stands that is masquerading as the half-time hooter.

And survive they do! But is down to a Kiwi mistake rather than resolute defending. That man Shaun Johnson causes carnage again, this time with his hands, bursting to his right before trying to pick out an isolated Jason Nightingale. But the winger cannot make the ball stick as it squirms out into touch.

Big chance for the Kiwis just before the break. They are gifted another set inside the England 10m zone as another Shaun Johnson bomb causes all sorts of collateral. Sam Tomkins is equal to the gather, but scuffs his play-the-ball. Tomkins protests to referee Phil Bentham but the fault is all his.

Then, Tom Burgess is punished for a high shot on Martin Taupau - another set for England to survive....

John Kear

Ex-England and current Wales coach on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"The contrast in styles is great. England have loads of ball runners and lead runners, whereas New Zealand are playing more direct and are majoring on field position and set completion. England are playing the more expansive rugby but are having more of the set completion."

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New Zealand roll forward again, but let England off the hook about 30 minutes out. Kiwi forward Tohu Harris makes a hash of the play the ball to hand the ball back to the visitors. Relief.

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Debbie Bullock: Watching with my son at LGI Children's Hospital second weekend in a row.

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Former England international Tulsen Tollett: Interesting stat from Ian Millward re Gareth Widdop who hits the posts with goal kicks more than any other in #NRL #4Nations #bbcrl

New Zealand attack again, momentum shifting the way of the hosts. Another Shaun Johnson spiral arrives - so high that it almost smashes the stadium's roof - but Sam Tomkins keeps his eye on the ball to brilliantly gather.

Ian Millward

Former Super League and Australian NRL coach on BBC Two

"Isaac Luke created that try. He dragged the middle defenders in, before going to Shaun Johnson and although he thought about kicking, he passed and the main men were in command."

Brian Noble

Former Great Britain coach on BBC Two

"Ryan Hall showed a lack of positivity there - he needed to go out of the line earlier. England have been masters of their own downfall there."

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Jonathan Butler: Great effort so far by by England! Keep up the pressure lads

Eric Stewart: So far @England_RL well on top, need to keep this going for the full 80

Ant: Great game so far. Really enjoying it. Lots of action.

CONVERTED TRY

Despite all that pressure, it is advantage New Zealand. England's line is dragged right and Shaun Johnson's quick ball right finds Dean Whare, who sidesteps the line-breaking Ryan Hall to put in the head-bandaged figure of Jason Nightingale for his second try. Simple.

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England, sniffing out blood, go for the try line once again. Full-back Sam Tomkins appears on the right, but tries an ambitious offload which is snaffled by Kiwi captain Simon Mannering. Here comes another New Zealand wave...

Dave Woods

BBC Sport commentator

"Brian Noble does a jig of delight and England take the lead!"

Brian Noble

Former Great Britain coach on BBC Two

"Manu Vatuvei is too in-field and Josh Charnley held his line, he wasn't going to miss from there. How good is Sean O'Loughlin? Put that try down to O'Loughlin's vision."

TRY

England make their first switch of the Dunedin evening - on trots Elliot Whitehead for his England debut.

And with seconds he is celebrating an England try! Wigan speedster Josh Charnley gobbles up Sean O'Loughlin's brilliant flat pass to touch down in the right corner.

Widdop has more catcalls ringing in his ears as he lines up the conversion from the right touchline. Another super strike which sails towards the posts - another unlucky bounce of the upright. England lead by two...

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Back come the Kiwis after a couple of England mistakes. James Graham gets a telling off by English referee Phil Bentham, as he hands New Zealand another set.

The Kiwis look dangerous with ball in hand - and almost grab a second try. Manu Vatuvei eyes up the whitewash, only to somehow spill the ball under pressure from England winger Josh Charnley. Possession back to England.

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Dave Milburn: England need to start making some of this pressure count

Ross Heppenstall: England are all over New Zealand here.

Gareth Walker: How Joel Tomkins deals with Jason Taumalolo for rest of the game could be crucial. He's run at him almost every carry so far

Anyone got a number for a builder? Because that creaking New Zealand line needs some serious support. England chase gamely on the last, George Burgess smashing into the Kiwi full-back Peta Hiku for a New Zealand drop out.

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Brian Noble

Former Great Britain coach on BBC Two

"This is great pressure from England, they found their composure on the last kick. What a great chase from the England team to get the drop out."

Ian Millward

Former Super League and Australian NRL coach on BBC Two

"England are getting some great field position - New Zealand have only had one set in the England half and they came up with a try."

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John Kear

Ex-England and current Wales coach on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"New Zealand are panicking, they really are under pressure."

England scrum-half Matty Smith looks to put that depleted Kiwi right flank under pressure with a high kick on the last, Ryan Hall flaps a palm at the ball but it doesn't stick. Ball back with a white shirt, Gareth Widdop goes left with the boot - and New Zealand knock on. Another six from inside 30 metres..

Claret has been spilled - which I'm sure won't be for the first time. Kiwi winger Jason Nightingale slams into Dan Sarginson in a thumping tackle, and gets a split forehead for his trouble. He wanders off, looking a little dazed, opportunity for England to exploit his absence down that Kiwi right-hand side?

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Swivel Eyed Broon: This is excellent attacking play from England - the Kiwis are rattled!

Gareth Jones: Surely they can't keep this tempo going? Great stuff!

Ian Millward

Former Super League and Australian NRL coach on BBC Two

"England have got the kiwis on the ropes, don't worry about scoring points, build the pressure."

Brian Noble

Former Great Britain coach on BBC Two

"New Zealand are really scrambling. This will pay dividends for England if they keep control."

England on the attack again. They're looking razor sharp. Daryl Clark scampers from dummy half to go within a fingertip of the Kiwi line. England continue to shift the ball quickly, from left to right, but Kallum Watkins can't find a gap in that wall of black shirts, eventually dropping the ball not far from the Kiwi line.

Ian Millward

Former Super League and Australian NRL coach on BBC Two

"Looking at the last five minutes, there has been a lot of pressure on New Zealand. This is a repeat set and the stats are high on getting a try."

Hare 'em, scare 'em stuff at the moment. England's kick on the last fortuitously falls back into New Zealand hands, presenting a decent breakway chance for the Kiwis. But Jason Taumalolo's hands aren't the nimblest - throwing a long pass left hopelessly out into touch with Manu Vatuvei waiting to start tearing up field. Not that I'd tell the big man that his passing is hopeless.

Dave, Leeds: BBC Rugby League Me and my week old baby girl are up and ready for this! In fact she's been waking up all night every couple of hours - must be all the excitement! Come on England!

England looking electrifying, back on the attack, boosted by that try. Quick hands threaten to find a gap before the Kiwis see out the danger. Matty Smith's crossfield kick looks for Wigan team-mate Josh Charnley, only to find Manu Vatuvei waiting underneath it for an early take.

Ian Millward

Former Super League and Australian NRL coach on BBC Two

"I like that play from England, they look fluent and it is a great start from both sides."

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Jemmo: Are we 100% sure Hall grounded that one?

Brian Noble

Former Great Britain coach on BBC Two

"Well done England. They created the numbers on the left-hand side. It was great hands from the players and well finished by Ryan Hall. England have practiced that, they went one side, then moved it to the other."

TRY

England put pressure on from the restart, closing down well. They then win a penalty on their set. Hands at play-the-ball.

England look to make the most of their good field position, working the ball out to the left, with Gareth Widdop and Sam Tomkins involved before Dan Sarginson puts in Ryan Hall, who touches in at the corner for his 23rd England try.

Widdop stands focused on the touchline as the Kiwi fans behind him give him the bird. He strikes it perfectly, but the ball cannons back off the left upright. Unlucky.

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Ian Millward

Former Super League and Australian NRL coach on BBC Two

"Out of the four kickers, Shaun Johnson can kick the highest. In the enclosed stadium, you get more hang time so it will be a tough night for the full-backs and wingers.

"Jason Nightingale is a try scorer, he finishes them off. He can jump and is acrobatic. He out jumps Ryan Hall because the England man is stationary."

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CONVERTED TRY

It's T-R-Y time. Jason Nightingale leaps into the Dunedin air, beating opposite winger Ryan Hall, as Johnson's kick causes all sorts of havoc. That came after huge loose forward Jason Taumalolo busts a hole in the England line. Cracking start for the Kiwis.

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TRY REVIEW

First New Zealand set - first try? Kiwi winger Jason Nightingale thinks so. He gathers Shaun Johnson's high bomb and touches down. Over to the video referee...

Brian Noble

Former Great Britain coach on BBC Two

"England will have to build pressure with the big lads up front. They are in pole position and it is all on New Zealand today."

Kick-off

Right all the pre-match antics are over. New Zealand kick off, England respond with a strong complete opening set of six.

If there's a more fearsome sight than the Haka in world sport then I've yet to see it. Frightening. I'd have legged back to the dressing room if I was an English player. Isaac Luke leads the Haka, but is met with an icy stare from the Burgess twins.

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Jon Wilkin

Former England international on BBC Two

"Hooker Daryl Clark goes into this tournament as the Man of Steel in Super League and that will make him want to go out there and prove it.

Robbie Hunter-Paul replies: "Isaac Luke will take all the talk about Daryl Clark personally, believe me. There will be fireworks."

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New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney: "I'm not worried about points differential. My focus is purely on the team putting out the right performance out there."

The players emerge to a wall of noise in Dunedin. Anthem time - and I reckon if tries were given for singing then England would be 4-0 up. Although the home fans, including one gurning fella, do their nation proud. Haka time....

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Jenny Halliday: Sitting by the pool in sunny GOA #rlbreakfast. Come on England. Jenny and Ian. Bulls fans.

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Steve McNamara on his team selection: "We've made one change, I've been pleased with how they played against Australia. It is tough on Josh Hodgson but wanted to tweak our selection based on the opposition.

On the possible permutations: "We are fully aware of all the permutations - we have to be. But we're not chasing that 10 points. We're chasing a good performance and the by product of that is winning the game and winning by 10 points."

Jon Wilkin

Former England international on BBC Two

"Steve McNamara's focus is playing well - the points are a consequence of that. They will not have a strategy to play more rugby. They will be looking to execute plays more consistently over the 80 minutes. The start to any Test match is the physical battle and England's attacking players will not get into the game until after that."

And here's what England coach Steve McNamara had to say....

"Becoming the first English side to reach an final overseas for a long time would be great, but winning the Test match is the most important thing. We have got a tough task ahead, but we played well against Australia last week but just fell short."

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England RL: The man on the telly, Dave Woods, speaking to Steve McNamara ahead of kick off. Not long now.

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Bryony Hudson: The Wilkin, Mousdale, Hudson clan, eating pastries watching England in Marbella.

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Home is where t'heart is

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Stone houses. Rolling hills. Grey skies. Sheep. That's Yorkshire in a nutshell, isn't it?

And perhaps it could also apply to Dunedin. Yes, that Dunedin on the south island of New Zealand. That's what England prop George Burgess reckons anyway.

"It's been good," says the 22-year-old Yorkshireman. "This is a different environment from the Gold Coast. But Dunedin looks a bit like the north of England, where I'm from, so I'm enjoying it."

Stat attack

England last beat New Zealand in the 2011 Four Nations, a 28-6 win in Hull. The nearest they have come to victory over the Kiwis in New Zealand is a 17-17 draw in Auckland in 1975.

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England centre Leroy Cudjoe: Up to watch @England_RL good luck boys!

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Chris Morgan: Up early with Jessica for the crunch game. C'mon England!

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Jon Wilkin

Former England international on BBC Two

"England should not be focussing too much on the Ryan Hall incident from last week but to focus on what they did very well. They threatened Australia but shut up shop and failed to challenge in the second half.

"In New Zealand, they face the best team in the tournament. They have to play better and near their best. Those bad moments like the World Cup semi-final last year can keep you awake at night."

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Of course, all those permutations could have been - and perhaps should have been - all irrelevant. Because if Ryan Hall's 'try' had been given in the dying moments of the Australia game then England would already be booked into Wellington's finest tailors for suit fittings. Maybe the measuring man might be called into action on Monday.

Robbie Hunter-Paul

Former New Zealand international on BBC Two

"I can promise you now New Zealand will not be looking any further back than the first half of England's game against Australia when England punched a lot of holes in the defensive line."

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Jen: England #RL cuppa

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England full-back Sam Tomkins: "They are talented blokes - I have been asked about certain individuals. Someone like Shaun Johnson, you try to fly out of the line and get a hit on him, boom, he will step you. He is too quick.

"Our squad is really exciting now - people like Dan Sarginson, who stepped up against the Aussies last week."

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Symon James Gerrard: Come on England

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England win by 10 points or more: England are through because they would have a better points difference than New Zealand. But New Zealand will also go through if Australia beat Samoa but fail to turn around the 34-point swing currently in the Kiwis' favour, or if Samoa win.

England win by 10 points or less: New Zealand are through because they have a better points difference than England. But England can also go through if Australia beat Samoa and do not better their points difference (England currently are 16 points better off), or if Samoa win.

Draw: New Zealand qualify, England eliminated if Australia beat Samoa.

England lose: All but mathematically out. Slim chance they could still qualify if they lose narrowly to New Zealand and Samoa narrowly beat Australia.

All clear? Good.

Not only do rugby league coaches know their onions about tactics and selection, they also need to have a mathematical brain. England boss Steve McNamara could have done with Carol Vorderman by his side as he analyses the permutations. Here are the possible outcomes...

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Rugby league is not know for its timekeeping. And it appears we're going to have a slight delay in proceedings. Just enough time for you to snaffle some cornflakes and another strong cup of coffee.

England RL: The boys are out for their warm-up in the magnificent Forsyth Barr Stadium - we get underway 8.10pm (local) 7.10am (GMT).

Brian Noble

Former Great Britain coach on BBC Two

"Of course England can win. This stadium is like a greenhouse, it is like a sports hall, everything reverberating. England have got to play well, they have picked a good side and this game is a close one to call. If England can kick a bit better than last week, then I am confident they will come out with a win."

Ian Millward

Former Super League and Australian NRL coach on BBC Two

"These are the best two packs of forwards in the tournament but it comes back to their halves and hookers. I believe the Kiwis edge is in hooker Isaac Luke on the bench. I kind of wish that Daryl Clark could play for 80 minutes for England. I can see a try coming from a kick tonight because the ball will have hang time."

Line-ups

New Zealand: P Hiku (Manly), J Nightingale (St George Illawarra), S Kenny-Dowall (Sydney Roosters), D Whare (Penrith), M Vatuvei (New Zealand Warriors); K Foran (Manly), S Johnson (New Zealand Warriors); J Bromwich (Melbourne), I Luke (South Sydney), A Blair (Wests Tigers), S Mannering (New Zealand Warriors, capt), K Proctor (Melbourne), J Taumalolo (North Queensland).

Replacements: T Leuluai (New Zealand Warriors), G Eastwood (Canterbury Bulldogs), M Taupau (Wests Tigers), T Harris (Melbourne).

England: S Tomkins (New Zealand Warriors), J Charnley (Wigan), K Watkins (Leeds), D Sarginson (Wigan), R Hall (Leeds), G Widdop (St George Illawarra), M Smith (Wigan), G Burgess (South Sydney), D Clark (Castleford), J Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs, capt), L Farrell (Wigan), J Tomkins (Wigan), S O'Loughlin (Wigan).

Replacements: E Whitehead (Catalan Dragons), B Ferres (Huddersfield), T Burgess (South Sydney), C Hill (Warrington).

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Team news

Two familiar faces to the England players have been recalled to the New Zealand team today. Ex-Wigan half-back/hooker Thomas Leuluai and former Leeds second rower Greg Eastwood are back on the bench after missing the narrow win against Samoa.

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England make one change from the dramatic defeat by Australia, hooker Daryl Clark coming in for Josh Hodgson. The Hull KR man drops out of the squad, with Catalan Dragons second rower Elliot Whitehead stepping up to the bench.

Captain Sean O'Loughlin and fellow forward Liam Farrell both start after no action was taken over tackles they made against the Kangaroos.

Robbie Hunter-Paul

Former New Zealand international on BBC Two

"I am confident in New Zealand on New Zealand soil, it is not in the traditional heartland but in Dunedin, a union type town, but the players will play with a lot of passion. However, I do think there is a lot going in England's favour. The fact they have that they have the disappointment from last week to motivate themselves and last year's World Cup semi-final defeat as well."

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Jamie Peacock

Former England captain on BBC Two

"I am confident, I feel England can win. They will be very motivated from the World Cup semi-final defeat last year and a sense of injustice from last week when Ryan Hall's try was disallowed. It is defeats like that stays with you forever, but being motivated, that is the key in the elite line of sport."

So this is the third - but, England are hoping, not final - instalment of the Four Nations tournament. The Kiwis are the favourites today, but England, who include 10 of the men who played at Wembley, are hoping to prove the experts - and the bookies - wrong.

"We certainly feel like we owe them one," says England full-back Sam Tomkins.

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England full-back Sam Tomkins: Not long now...

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Call this an early start? Last weekend was an early start. After England met Australia at an eye-watering time of 05:00 GMT on Sunday, we're able to have a relative lie-in today.

But most of you will still be lying under the duvet or flaked out on the sofa. Some of you may even be lucky enough to be down in Dunedin. Wherever you are, we want to know. So tell us where you are watching the game, by sending in your photos and selfies using the #rlbreakfast.

We may even show some of these on the BBC Sport television coverage, which is under way right now on BBC Two, during the half-time interval. If you cannot get yourself in front of the TV, there is also coverage on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra from 06:55 GMT.

Now Steve McNamara's men have an opportunity for retribution. Victory by 10 points or more will secure England's place in the Four Nations final where they could face the Kiwis again. Or Australia. Or Samoa. Anything can happen over the next 160 minutes of rugby league. Expect the unexpected.

Yep, it really is 350 days since that heartbreaking semi-final defeat at Wembley. With less than a minute until the hooter, England had one foot in a World Cup final on home soil. Then that standing leg was swiped from underneath them in a moment of Kiwi magic.

With his side trailing 18-14, half-back Shaun Johnson shimmied and danced through the tiring England defence to level, before keeping his cool in front of a baying home crowd to slot over the conversion. Silence inside the national stadium. England's World Cup dream was over - ripped into tatters and strewn all over the Wembley pitch.

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Revenge is a dish best served cold, so says that popular old expression. Today England will take revenge freezing cold, boiling hot, or even slightly lukewarm. However it arrives, they want it.

Because if they beat New Zealand - those dastardly, World Cup final-robbing, old foes - then a place in the Four Nations showpiece could be guaranteed.