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 15-3 Argentina, 53 minutes
Manu Tuilagi puts in a massive hit and raises the spirits of the English line as the attempt to hold Argentina around the halfway line. The Pumas fail to release the ball after another tackle and England are awarded a penalty.
No surprise what they decide to do with it.
England 15-3 Argentina, 52 minutes
England boot the ball down the pitch for an Argentina lineout and Steve Borthwick decides to make a change with Dan Cole getting replaced by Will Stuart.
A touch under 30 minutes still to play in Marseille.
England 15-3 Argentina, 49 minutes
Argentina look very shaky. A nicely-worked scrum sees the ball come out to Santi Carreras who flicks it across to Santiago Chocobares but he spills what should have been a simple catch.
England’s scrum is collapsed by Argentina meaning another penalty comes their way. The momentum is with them.
PENALTY! ENGLAND 15-3 Argentina (George Ford, 46 minutes)
George Ford boots the ball straight down the middle and puts England ahead by 12 now. That’s two tries with one converted. Every point is crucial for Steve Borthwick’s men.
England 12-3 Argentina, 44 minutes
Alex Mitchell looks to feed the scrum but it collapses before he can. A second effort comes out to Ben Earl who attempts to kick but skews the ball to Courtney Lawes.
Guido Petti is then flagged offside and gives away a penalty. England will kick for goal now to try and up their lead.
SECOND HALF! England 12-3 Argentina
George Ford restarts the game in Marseille. England need to settle quickly back into this match and look to increase their lead.
A solid drive from Argentina gets them up the pitch before Juan Martin Gonzalez bursts through England’s line and flings an offload to the left where it’s knocked on.
England scrum.
HT England 12-3 Argentina
Let’s not get too giddy about England’s performance just yet. They’re a man down with a full half to play. One converted try brings Argentina right back in the contest.
Don’t go anywhere as this Pool D clash is set to go down to the wire.
Harry Latham-Coyle at the Stade Velodrome assessing England’s first half
"A horror start but an encouraging half for England, finding a way through adversity.
“Both teams have been clunky in attack, but George Ford has played the pragmatist to tick the scoreboard over and take a more than handy lead back down the tunnel.
“Fatigue will surely be a factor with just 14 shirts out there, but Argentina haven't been able to get out of their own way so far."
HALF-TIME! England 12-3 Argentina, 40 minutes
England send the ball out of play on the 40 minute mark and end the first half with a slender but crucial lead. George Ford’s leadership since Tom Curry’s red card has been incredible and Courtney Lawes has marshalled the defence expertly.
There’s still a long way to go in this match but England are proving themselves out there for now.
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