Defending champions New Zealand have sealed a place in the final of the Rugby League World Cup with a last-gasp try against England at Wembley Stadium this afternoon.

The host nation had to hold off an early surge by the reigning champions, and were able to break the deadlock after 15 minutes, as Sam Burgess set Sean O'Loughlin up for the opening try.

However, the Kiwis hit back before the break as Dean Whare managed to shake off Ryan Hall before passing to Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who powered over for his seventh try of the tournament.

Tuivasa-Sheck put New Zealand ahead for the first time shortly after the restart, adding his second try of the match.

However, Kevin Sinfield found Leeds Rhinos teammate Kallum Watkins, who was able to dive over the line to close the gap, before a Sam Burgess effort inside the final 15 minutes restored England's lead.

New Zealand pressed hard in the final moments of the match as they tried to get back on level terms, and the pressure paid off as Shaun Johnson slipped through a gap to level the scores, before chipping the conversion over to clinch the win.

New Zealand will face either Australia or Fiji in the final.