Jonny Wilkinson described England's 19-7 victory over New Zealand as "immense" as the sporting world took to social media after a memorable World Cup semi-final.

England put in one of their best-ever performances to down the All Blacks and reach the final in Japan, and World Cup winner Wilkinson was one of the first to pay tribute.

Wilkinson, who guided England to success in the 2003 final against host nation Australia, posted on Twitter: "Immense!!

"Individually and together as a team....immense! On to next week's final. Can't wait!"

Ben Cohen, who also played in the 2003 decider, tweeted: "@EnglandRugby were simply incredible today!! #Worlds2019"

Another 2003 hero, Jason Robinson, simply said: "Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssss!!!!!! @rugbyworldcup final here we come!!!!! #ENGvNZL"

Ex-England star Austin Healey had even more reason to celebrate, posting: "The greatest 41st birthday ever ... Manu, Maro, Ford, Underhill, Curry ... everyone amazing."

Just over three months have passed since England edged out New Zealand in the Cricket World Cup final at Lord's, and plenty of mischievous social media users have drawn comparisons.

England's Barmy Army, a supporters club, posted a photoshopped picture of England rugby head coach Eddie Jones running out New Zealand counterpart Steve Hansen.

Jimmy Neesham, who played for the Black Caps in the dramatic super-over defeat in July, said he had muted the words 'England', 'World Cup' and '2019' forever on his phone.

Former England footballer Gary Lineker put his spin on proceedings, saying: "I'm already an expert on this rugby malarchy, and confidently predict that England will beat the Germans in the final. Come On England."

The official England football account said: "Congratulations on reaching the @rugbyworldcup final, @EnglandRugby!"

Four-time Olympic sailing champion Ben Ainslie was also full of praise, tweeting: "Well@done @EnglandRugby just brilliant!"