England's World Cup semi-final picture clearer after Tonga beat Lebanon

Tonga moved to the brink of the World Cup semi-finals with a convincing 36-0 win over Lebanon.

Having beaten England in their opening group game, the Tongans can no longer be caught by Brian McDermott's side.

Teams level on points will initially be separated by their head-to-head records, meaning England's best hope now is to beat Samoa to a last-four spot.

Kristian Woolf's side could secure qualification before facing their Samoan rivals on the final day of the group stage.

Tonga overpowered Lebanon in Sydney without ever hitting top gear.

Sione Katoa and Paul Alamoti crossed in the opening quarter before Tolutau Koula scored a stunning length-of-the-field breakaway try to give Tonga a 14-0 half-time lead.

Jojo Fifita scored twice after the break, while Leka Halasima also crossed and Katoa completed his brace in the dying minutes.

In the women's game played on Friday, Samoa were far too strong for Wales in a 76-0 rout.

The Pacific Islanders are set to face England next week with a semi-final place on the line.