England’s rugby side delivered a much-needed boost for the nation, defeating Argentina 31-24 in Santiago del Estero just days after the football team’s painful World Cup exit.
Steve Borthwick’s squad endured a tense finish, with officials reviewing a potential late Argentina try in added time before video referee Brett Cronan disallowed the score.
Henry Slade’s crucial tackle prevented Bautista Delguy from touching down, despite questions over a possible high tackle by Noah Caluori in the preceding play.
On the disciplinary front, England’s Jack van Poortvliet, Alex Coles, Henry Pollock and Emmanuel Iyogun all received yellow cards during the contest.
These sin-binnings forced the visitors to compete with just 13 players for nine minutes, yet they still managed to grind out the win.
England’s card count for 2026 now stands at a troubling 14 yellows and one red across their eight fixtures this year.
Van Poortvliet was sent to the sin-bin for a deliberate knock-on, while Coles followed shortly after for the same offence following Slade’s desperate tackle on Tomas Albornoz near the try line.
Referee Angus Gardner awarded Argentina a penalty try following Coles’ infringement.
England have beaten Argentina 31-24
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Immanuel Feyi-Waboso proved the difference-maker with a spectacular individual effort in the 69th minute.
The Exeter winger was the standout performer throughout the contest, repeatedly breaching the Argentine defensive line with his eagerness to get involved in attacking play.
His willingness to seek out possession was consistently rewarded as he caused problems whenever he received the ball.
Earlier in the match, Feyi-Waboso had been instrumental in creating opportunities, with one of his breaks leading to Ben Earl crossing for England’s second try after Joe Hayes secured a crucial turnover.
Steve Borthwick’s squad endured a tense finish
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Marcus Smith also contributed to the scoreboard, touching down in the right corner following a powerful carry from Pollock.
The contest erupted into confrontation within the opening four minutes, with a brawl breaking out in the right corner shortly after Tommy Freeman had claimed Fin Smith’s kick to score the opening try.
Ben Earl added England’s second after Hayes won possession back, though Argentina’s players reacted angrily to Jamie George’s celebrations following the score.
Jack van Poortvliet was one of four England players to receive yellow cards
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The Pumas rallied after the interval, with Mateo Carreras crossing early in the second half as England began losing physical exchanges.
Argentina’s Joaquin Oviedo was shown a yellow card for a dangerous clear-out on Guy Pepper, providing England with temporary relief.
Justo Piccardo scored late for the hosts, but England survived the closing moments to secure a hard-fought victory.
