It wasn't a great display from England and the Samoans entertained the crowd far more.
Even Jonny Wilkinson wasn't at his best as the home side led by just point with just 10 minutes remaining.
But with a penalty try and scores by Neil Back, Iain Balshaw and Phil Vickery, as well as 15 points from Wilkinson's boot, England made it through.
They'll now face either New Zealand or, more likely, Wales in the last eight.
Ireland's game was tense and Alan Quinlan scored the only try.
Ireland livened up when Ronan O'Gara replaced David Humphreys at fly-half and he scored two vital penalties.
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