England player ratings vs Samoa: 2023 Rugby World Cup

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England made it four wins out of four at Rugby World Cup 2023 but were made to work hard before overcoming Samoa 18-17 in Lille on Saturday.

After Ollie Chessum's score for England early in the first half, Samoa - who beat Chile and lost to Argentina and Japan by fewer than 10 points - played with ambition and growing confidence, and were rewarded with two tries from Nigel Ah-Wong within five first-half minutes and had two more ruled out by the Television Match Official.

Owen Farrell and Lima Sopoaga exchanged penalties before England had two tries of their own ruled out by the TMO. And with Samoa down to 14 men, replacement scrum-half Danny Care's converted try finally saw England home.

Already confirmed as Pool D winners, England will play the runners-up in Pool C - Australia or, more likely, Fiji - in the quarter-finals in Marseille on Sunday, 15 October.

Scroll down for England player ratings vs Samoa.

Metres: Manu Tuilagi - 60

Defenders beaten: Jonny May - 7

Tackles: Ben Earl - 15

Tackles missed: Maro Itoje - 3

Turnovers won: Alex Mitchell - 2

1 Ellis Genge Very poor in the first half but turned up for the scrap in the second half. Departed after 55 minutes. 6

2 Jamie George One of the hardest working forwards England have ever had. 7

3 Dan Cole Put in a decent shift with eight tackles (zero missed) before departing shortly after the break. 6

4 Maro Itoje Missed more tackles today than he has all tournament. Looked off the pace from the off. 4

5 Ollie Chessum He displayed remarkable speed when scoring his try and maintained unwavering defensive resolve, establishing himself as England's most dependable forward at this time. 7

6 Courtney Lawes Confusingly kept on after picking up a nasty knock, this was probably one of Lawes worst ever displays. He missed two tackles (only making one) in the game. Finally departed after 58 minutes. 4

7 Tom Curry While he's added significant muscle mass, it appears that this has somewhat hampered his speed, making it challenging for him to compete effectively at the RUCKs. 5

8 Ben Earl England's best player yet again. He was absolutely everywhere. 8

9 Alex Mitchell Delayed around the breakdown, constantly putting England under pressure. 4

10 George Ford FHe dazzled early with seamless passes in both directions, but seemed to lose his way as Samoa gained control. However, he redeemed himself with a crucial try-saving tackle after the halftime break before exiting after 50 minutes. 6.5

11 Jonny May We're uncertain why he continues to be selected over the lightning-fast Henry Arundell, Seemed to spend the whole afternoon running sideways.. 4

12 Owen Farrell (c)It was an extraordinary day for the captain as he surpassed Jonny Wilkinson's point record and exhibited unwavering defensive skills with 12 tackles. Nevertheless, today's events made it abundantly clear that the Ford-Farrell partnership must now be reconsidered and discarded. He then somehow let the shot clock run down to zero with his resulting penalty cancelled out 6.5

13 Manu Tuilagi He began in spectacular fashion, with four carries covering a total of 59 metres. Nonetheless, as has increasingly become the norm, his performance waned well before the 50-minute mark, ultimately becoming a detriment to the team. Made only one metre after the break. 6

14 Joe Marchant Selected for his defensive prowess, he faced a relentless physical onslaught from the Samoan opponents. Yet, he never once retreated from the battle. 6

15 Freddie Steward A very uncomfortable afternoon for the fullback. 5

17 Joe Marler - 5

18 Kyle Sinckler - 5

19 George Martin - 5

20 Billy Vunipola - 5

21 Danny Care - 8

22 Marcus Smith - 6

23 Ollie Lawrence - 7