6 Tom Curry – 6
Started off the match with a turnover at the breakdown, as the Sale Sharks man made sure that all focus was now on his on-field performance. Battled well on his 50th England cap, with the ‘Under-Curry’ back-row partnership working well. Put in a big hit on Kremer, which saw the fearsome back-row spill the ball. (Lewis Ludlam, 50′).
7 Sam Underhill – 9
Was phenomenal today, and made good on his late call-up to the England squad. Jack Willis’ injury opened the door for Underhill’s involvement, which he began with a monstrous carry over the gain-line. 24 tackles was an unbelievable effort around the park, in his first match for England since the 2022 Summer Tour of Australia. An awesome performance from Underhill, he smashed the Pumas from pillar to post, and was a workhorse over the breakdown.
8 Ben Earl – 8
Made a great line break for England’s opening try of the match, as he exploded onto Smith’s pop pass. Earl has made the most minutes out of any of the England players this World Cup, and once again had a stand-out showing. A big 52 minute turnover curtailed Argentine momentum, and Earl made strong metres when claiming the ball from kick off.
9 Ben Youngs – 7
Rolled back the years with his first start with Farrell since against Scotland in 2021. England’s first scrum was hooked too quickly for him, as he was slow to react and sent a wayward pass to Farrell. Sent his trademark box kicks high and far, which tested the Pumas under the lights. Good chop tackles as Argentina carried hard. (Danny Care, 50′)
10 Owen Farrell (c) – 7.5
Received resounding boos as he lined-up his kicks off the tee, yet was not deterred with accurate shots at goal. Started off England’s points scoring after just two minutes, with his eyes set on finishing the RWC as the top points scorer.
Once again back in discussion with the referee, but accepted England’s punishments far better than his back-chat from last week. Put under immediate pressure from Los Pumas, as he lined up a drop goal. Lost a collision, with Argentina taking the forward momentum across the try-line for Cubelli’s try. Got chopsy with Argentine players after England conceded the first half try. His 64th minute penalty ended his RWC journey as the top points scorer.
11 Henry Arundell – 5
A slow first half by his standards, as his name was rarely mentioned. Chased up on the kicks, yet missed his man on a few too many occasions. Turned his back on Juan Cruz Mallia, with the fullback able to slip by him in the build-up to Cubelli’s first half try. Was rarely seen off his touch-line, and had a slow involvement before being withdrawn. Did not make many mistakes, just was not utilised by England. (Ollie Lawrence, 65′).
12 Manu Tuilagi – 6.5
Started off his match with a massive carry at six minutes, and chased up on Farrell’s spiral bombs when England retained a free kick. Good chasing off his line, and made big hits on the Pumas ball carriers. Tuilagi was hit hard in a collision at 52 minutes, and the Sale man was then substituted off for a re-shuffled back-line. (George Ford 55′).
13 Joe Marchant – 7
Had a good run-out in what could be his last England match, as Marchant departs Harlequins for Stade Francais for the 2023/24 season. Made a nice carry on the 19th minute, to clear the pressure from his try-line. Fought hard t gather loose ball, as he and Tuilagi chased down Farrell’s kicks into the back-field. Keen to fight with the ball-in-hand, and adopted well when pushed out to the wing on Lawrence’s introduction.