New Zealand's hopes of capturing another U20 World Cup have been dashed, after they were knocked out of contention on points difference.
The Baby Blacks put away Japan 62-19 in their final Pool A match, but it wasn't enough to qualify for the semi-finals, with England instead advancing.
Both teams finished in second place in their respective pools on 10 points, but England's superior points difference of 23 sees them through.
That's despite only winning one of their three group games, with draws to Ireland and Australia in their final match.
New Zealand needed Australia to win, or Wales to shock tournament favourites France in their final Pool A match for them to advance to the semi-final as the best-ranked second team.
England join pool winners France, Ireland, and South Africa in the semi-finals, with New Zealand relegated to the 5-8th place playoffs instead.
The Baby Blacks needed to win big against Japan if they were a chance of progressing, and win big they did, with Crusaders winger Macca Springer grabbing a hat-trick.
New Zealand ran in 10 tries to Japan's three, with first-five Taha Kemara grabbing a double to finish pool play on a high.
The Baby Blacks will play trans-Tasman rivals Australia in the 5-8th semi-final playoffs on Monday, with Georgia and Wales contesting the other match.
New Zealand 62 (Springer 3, Kemara 2, Hainsworth-Fa'afo, Wrampling-Alec, Hutchinson, Flanders, Stodart tries; Godfrey 4 con, Kemara 2 con) Japan 19 (Nagashima, Imano, Omoto tries; Naramato 1 con, Taira 1 con)