Re-Wind: Every England game against the USA ahead of Summer Tour finale

byCharlie Elliott

England finish off their tour of the Americas this weekend with a one-off Test against the USA, held in Washington D.C. It follows a positive couple of games for Steve Borthwick's side in Argentina, with two wins from two against Los Pumas coming as a very pleasant surprise for the visiting team and their supporters.

Now with an easier game on paper, Borthwick and co will be hoping to make it a perfect three results in North and South America. They will face a USA side full of potential and hopeful of causing an upset with their home advantage.

The two have only faced each other seven times in their history, with England winning all seven, so history could be made if the tourists fail to get on the right side of the result.

Here is a rundown of each game that England and the USA have played against each other.

2021: England 43-29 USA - Summer International Test

Twickenham Stadium, London, England

The last time England faced the USA at Twickenham, it was a match that showcased both the return of established talent and the emergence of exciting new faces.

Joe Cokanasiga made a powerful statement in his first Test appearance since 2019, scoring two tries and reminding fans of his physical presence on the wing. England came away with a 43-29 victory, though the performance was far from perfect, as they conceded four second-half tries and dealt with injuries to Max Malins and Ollie Lawrence.

With several senior players away on British and Irish Lions duty, it was an opportunity for others to step up. Debutants Harry Randall and Marcus Smith both crossed the try line, with Randall impressing through his pace and urgency, while Smith grew into the game with creativity and control.

Most fans will remember this game as a good but unspectacular win and will hope that England can do a bit better this weekend.

2019: England 45-7 USA - 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool Match

Misaki Park Stadium, Kobe, Japan

At the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Kobe, England secured a dominant 45-7 victory over the USA in sweltering conditions. Despite claiming a bonus-point win, the first half was far from convincing.

Tries from George Ford, Billy Vunipola, and Luke Cowan-Dickie gave England a solid lead, but handling errors and discipline issues slowed their momentum.

After the break, England found more rhythm and energy. Joe Cokanasiga, who had knocked on just before halftime, made up for it by scoring twice, including the crucial bonus-point try early in the second half. Ruaridh McConnochie and Lewis Ludlam also crossed the line as England’s power and depth wore down the Americans.

The USA struggled throughout, especially in the scrum, and their challenge worsened when John Quill was red-carded for a dangerous hit on Owen Farrell. Despite being down to 14 men, the USA had the final word, scoring a late consolation try through Bryce Campbell.

England reached the final of this competition but fell to a very strong Springboks side at the final hurdle.

2007: England 28-10 USA - 2007 Rugby World Cup Pool Match

Stade Felix Bollaert, Lens, France

England began their 2007 Rugby World Cup title defence with a frustrating and uninspired 28-10 win over a spirited but limited USA side in Lens. Despite eventually securing the win, the performance fell far short of expectations for the reigning champions.

The score was locked at 3-3 after 20 minutes before Olly Barkley’s boot and a pair of first-half tries from Jason Robinson and Barkley gave England a 21-3 lead at the break.

Tom Rees added a third try early in the second half, but England failed to build on it, lacking pace, precision, and any real attacking width. The USA, down to 14 men twice, had the final say with a well-earned try from replacement prop Matekitonga Moeakiola.

England’s inability to secure a bonus point, combined with handling errors and disjointed play, cast serious doubts over their chances of defending the title. Barkley was a bright spot in an otherwise lacklustre team performance.

2001: USA 19-48 England - Summer Tour of North America

Balboa Stadium, San Diego, United States

In 2001, England wrapped up their North American tour with a commanding 48-19 victory over the United States in San Francisco, setting a new national record with their 11th consecutive Test win.

Despite missing several senior players due to British and Irish Lions commitments, Clive Woodward’s side produced a dominant first half at Balboa Park, racing to a 33-5 lead by the break.

Early tries from Dorian West, Pat Sanderson, and Josh Lewsey set the tone, with further scores from Joe Worsley and Leon Lloyd giving England complete control. The Americans showed fight, with debutant Jone Naqica crossing twice and Juan Grobler adding another in a much-improved second half.

Still, a second try from Lewsey and a late score by Lewis Moody ensured the tour ended on a high, albeit with room for improvement in consistency.

Steve Borthwick will be hoping that his side end this year's tour in similar, if not better, fashion than this game almost 25 years ago.

1999: England 106-8 USA - United States Tour of Great Britian

Twickenham Stadium, London, England

England recorded their biggest-ever win over the United States with a 106-8 demolition at Twickenham in 1999, delivering a ruthless performance in a World Cup warm-up match. Four-try hero Jeremy Guscott led the charge, with England running in 16 tries in total. Nine of which came in a staggering 75-point second half.

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Jonny Wilkinson was flawless from the tee, slotting 13 conversions, as Clive Woodward’s side broke the 100-point barrier at home for the first time. The USA had taken an early 3-0 lead, but once Richard Hill crossed in the 16th minute, England never looked back.

Guscott’s long-range brilliance was matched by doubles from Matt Perry, Dan Luger, and Neil Back. Returning forward Lawrence Dallaglio didn’t get on the scoreboard but played a key role in the build-up throughout. Despite a low crowd, England’s intensity never dipped, overwhelming the Eagles in every department and underlining their depth and firepower ahead of the 1999 World Cup.

The form never really carried into the World Cup, with England losing to the Springboks in the quarter-finals at the Stade de France.

1991: England 37-9 USA - 1991 Rugby World Cup Pool Match

In only the second-ever game between these two teams, England ran out comfortable winners on home soil during the 1991 World Cup. The match, held at Twickenham, was relatively unspectacular but secure the hosts a place in the quarter-finals, finishing second in their pool behind the All Blacks.

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Rory Underwood got a brace of tries in a game that was never really in doubt, having a healthy lead going into halftime after a fast start.

The USA provided some resistance and were no pushovers, something which would have given them great confidence at the time that they could compete and push on to face some of the bigger rugby nations.

England lost out in the final to Australia but it was a successful campaign, having beaten France and Scotland in the knockouts by narrow margins.

1987 England 34-6 USA - 1987 Rugby World Cup Pool Match

The first time England and the USA faced each other was at the 1987 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, with the game being held at the Concord Oval in Sydney.

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It marked the final game of a pool stage which saw them lose to the Wallabies but beat Japan, which was a mixed bag of results for a team high in confidence and believing that they could go the whole way.

While this win was a comfortable one, with two Peter Winterbottom tries and 16 points from Jonathan Webb's boot securing the victory, it would be their last win of this World Cup.

They faced local rivals Wales in the quarters and faltered to a 16-3 defeat in Auckland, ending what was a very disappointing campaign that saw the USA win be only one of two in the whole tournament.