Sheffield's Matthew ended a four-match losing streak against Gaultier

Peter Barker beat Renan Lavigne (11-6, 11-6, 11-6) before Nick Matthew saw off Gregory Gaultier (11-3, 11-6, 11-4).

Thierry Lincou's win over James Willstrop in the dead third rubber was a mere consolation for the French.

Eight-time champions Australia will be England's opponents in Wednesday's final after edging past Egypt 2-1.

It was certainly one of the best England performances I have seen David Pearson, England coach

Their triumph owed much to the heroics of world number four David Palmer, who ended the 21-week winning streak of world number one Amr Shabana.

The 31-year-old's 11-8, 11-6, 6-11, 11-6 win levelled the match score at 1-1 after Cameron Pilley lost 1-3 to Mohammed Abbas.

In the decider, Egypt's eighth seeded Karim Darwish suffered a shock 11-7 7-11 11-9 11-8 defeat at the hands of world number 15 Stewart Boswel.

That sealed Australia's 11th tournament final and England coach David Pearson rated his side's chances of a fourth title as "50-50".

"It is like our Ashes series in cricket," Pearson said. "The rivalry between the countries is there in every sporting event.

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"But we will not be under pressure. Since our goal was to get to the finals, the pressure was there today before the match."

England were making a record 14th consecutive appearance in the last four and are now through to their third successive final.

Following Barker's comfortable victory, England number one Matthew produced an outstanding display to overwhelm France's in-form world number three Gregory Gaultier.