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.
DROP GOAL! ENGLAND 12-3 Argentina (George Ford, 37 minutes)
Another one!
After gaining territory through driving runs from Jamie Georgo, Maro Itoje and Ben Earl England work the ball to George Ford who boots a third drop goal over the sticks and puts his team nine points ahead now.
Clinical stuff from Steve Borthwick’s fly-half.
England 9-3 Argentina, 34 minutes
Drop goal attempt from Argentina. England’s defence is frustrating the Pumas so they decide to take a leaf out of George Ford’s book but the accuracy isn’t there and the effort goes wide.
DROP GOAL! ENGLAND 9-3 Argentina (George Ford, 31 minutes)
Oh my! George Ford belts a drop goal effort from 50 metres out and smokes it right down the middle. That’s a lovely kick and England move slightly further ahead in this tense encounter!
England 6-3 Argentina, 29 minutes
England win a penalty and decide to kick from 60 metres. Elliot Daly fancies this one and goes for it but doesn’t get enough curl on the ball.
It also lands half a metre or so short of the target but England chase it down brilliantly and recover the ball.
DROP GOAL! ENGLAND 6-3 Argentina, (George Ford, 27 minutes)
England and World Cup drop goals. It’s a match made in heaven. A Manu Tuilagi drive gains England more territory inside Argentina’s half and before the ball is whipped back to George Ford.
He goes for the drop goal right in front of the posts and kicks the ball over the crossbar to send England back into the lead.
England 3-3 Argentina, 24 minutes
Turnover!
Courtney Lawes comes over the top to recover the ball and forces a knock on from Francisco Gomez Kodela. England win the penalty and kick it into touch to earn territory and ease the pressure on their defence.
Wonderful stuff from the captain.
England 3-3 Argentina, 23 minutes
Argentina’s repeated drives result in Thomas Gallo getting over the line for a suspected try. The referee isn’t convinced and asks the TMO to check for a knock on in the build-up.
The decision goes England’s way but it’s Argentina’s ball after a foul in the build-up. The pressure is still on.
England 3-3 Argentina, 22 minutes
Pablo Matera steals the ball for Argentina and turns it over.
The ball is flung over to Santi Carreras who boots from the 50 into England’s 22 and earns Argentina a lineout right on the edge of England’s goal line.
This is going to take a lot of effort from England to keep the Pumas at bay now.
England 3-3 Argentina, 19 minutes
England work the ball well with Alex Mitchell releasing it quickly to create some space on the line. George Ford sends it to Ben Earl who attempts a kick down the right wing for Jonny May but asks too much of the winger who has no chance of reaching the loose ball.
Santi Carreras is a lucky man. His yellow card hasn’t been upgraded and Argentina are now back to their full contingent of 15. This is going to be a slog for England now.
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