Coach Adrian Thompson’s team, shorn of key players because of the Heineken Cup and next weekend’s Six Nations, never threatened to book a semi-final clash with title holders Fiji.

The Fijians had been made to work hard by Canada in their quarter-final before running out 21-5 winners in front of a crowd of around 20,000.

England, who won the inaugural tournament at Murrayfield in 1993, were handed a painful sevens lesson by an Australian team that contained none of their heroes from the 15-a-side World Cup.

But England were lucky to be playing in the main competition today anyway having only qualified on points difference after Japan’s surprise defeat of Spain left all three teams equal in the group standings.

England had looked to be heading for the Plate competition after their humbling defeat by Spain on Friday but grabbed second place behind New Zealand.

The crowd, gathering for Argentina’s meeting with South Africa, were predictably vocal in their support for Australia given the history with England.

And it was the Wallabies who struck in the opening minutes as Williams coasted through an open space with Julian Huxley adding the conversion.

England were quick to hit back and from a penalty close to the line skipper Mike Friday found Paul Sampson who powered over, though the Wasps player was unable to add the conversion.

But soon after Josh Lewsey’s pass was intercepted by Williams who sprinted away for his second try of the half. Huxley again converted.

Australia carved their way through the English defence again on the stroke of half-time for Cameron Pither to claim his eighth try of the World Cup. Huxley’s conversion extended the lead to 21-5.

Williams completed his hat-trick soon after the break with a neat side-step to put Australia, who had coasted through their group without a defeat, out of sight of England.

The 21-year-old flier claimed his fourth moments later as England exited the World Cup at the quarter-final stage for the second tournament running.