England v Argentina LIVE: Result and reaction from Rugby World Cup 2023 as England win despite red card
England 27-10 Argentina: Tom Curry’s controversial sending off didn’t stop the boot of George Ford inspiring England to victory
England began their Rugby World Cup campaign against Argentina in Marseille in the worst possible way as the returning Tom Curry was sent off within the first three minutes of the game.
Argentina converted the penalty to take the early lead but from their Steve Borthwick’s men put on a masterclass in defensive play and kicking ability. George Ford, starting at fly-half in place of the suspended Owen Farrell, edged England in front with a surprise drop goal and never looked back.
The No. 10 scored all 27 of England’s points electing to kick at every available opportunity of which their were many. Argentina made over 13 handling errors with most inside their own half as England’s defensive capabilities - led superbly by Courtney Lawes - continued to frustrate them.
The only try of the night was scored by the Pumas with a minute or so left on the clock but by then they were miles behind and England had secured their first victory of this World Cup.
Relive the reaction from the Stade Veldrome below. Get all the Rugby World Cup odds and the latest tips and odds here.
England 24-3 Argentina, 74 minutes
Penalty to England!
Argentina have been so, so poor tonight. They’ve imploded against England’s 14 men. Manu Tuilagi yells in delight on the sidelines as George Ford lines up yet another kick.
England 24-3 Argentina, 72 minutes
A free kick for England sees George Ford send a spiral bomb incredibly high but it’s well-fielded by the Italian replacement full-back.
Argentina knock on, again, and England have a scrum just inside the opposition half.
England 24-3 Argentina, 69 minutes
England are on red alert as Argentina drive towards the goal line. 10 phases go by with the Pumas unable to penetrate the English line.
The ball is held up over the line which results in a dropout.
Harry Latham-Coyle at the Stade Velodrome
"A mighty ovation as Courtney Lawes departs, the stand-in England skipper having led the way defensively all evening. This has a been a magnificent defensive effort from Steve Borthwick's 14 men, with Ben Earl and Jamie George also standouts."
PENALTY! England 24-3 Argentina, (George Ford, 66 minutes)
Courtney Lawes plucks the ball out of the air from a lineout and hands it off before England get held up. Argentina give away yet another penalty though and George Ford fancies another three points.
It’s a relatively simple kick and the England fly-half boots it through the middle.
England 21-3 Argentina, 64 minutes
England continue to win penalties and continue to frustrate Argentina. This time, the Pumas fail to release the ball from their own scrum and George Ford is able to belt the ball right into the 22 to give England a fantastic position right in front of the goal line.
England 21-3 Argentina, 61 minutes
There’s another penalty that goes against Argentina. Elliot Daly has a go at kicking one over the sticks from inside his own half but there’s no joy for him.
Despite being a man down, England are bossing the game and the territory.
PENALTY! ENGLAND 21-3 Argentina (George Ford, 59 minutes)
Yes he can! England are 18 points ahead now, it’s becoming a comfortable lead with 20 minutes left in the match. A couple more penalties and they’ll be sitting pretty.
England 18-3 Argentina, 57 minutes
England are giving this everything. They’ll slowly pushing themselves up the pitch but need to kick after nicking the ball back from an Argentina lineout.
A knock on gives George Ford yet another chance to kick at the posts. Can he take this one?
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