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 0-0 Argentina, 3 minutes
Ouch! Juan Cruz Mallia catches a high ball and is tackled by Tom Curry as he lands. The two men clash heads and there’s blood pumping from the Argentine.
The TMO is getting involved here to see if Curry has committed a foul.
England 0-0 Argentina, 2 minutes
England’s defence is solid and they hold Argentina before edging them deeper and deeper forcing a kick. Alex Mitchell leaps for the ball, plucks it out of the air and smothers it under pressure.
Good start from England.
KICK OFF!
Argentina kick off the game and send a high ball straight down the throat of England’s captain Courtney Lawes. He drives forward but England are forced out of play giving the Pumas an early lineout inside England’s half of the pitch.
England vs Argentina
Courtney Lawes leads England out into the Stade Velodrome ahead of kick off for this clash.
Argentina will be difficult opponents but there’s a quiet confidence to Steve Borthwick’s men who believe they can go far in this tournament despite their recent poor form.
The national anthems are played and kick off is up next...
England vs Argentina
“We know who we are. We know the type of players we have. We know the quality of coaches we have,” said second-row Maro Itoje when asked about England’s poor form leading up to this World Cup.
“Yes we haven’t in recent times played as well as we can, but we know the potential of this group.
“And when you know the potential of this group and you know the attitude of the players and the coaches, it can only fill you with confidence.
“There is a strong feeling and belief within the group now that things can change very quickly and the best is yet to come.”
England vs Argentina
Keep an eye on Leicester lock Ollie Chessum tonight.
He delivered a number of eye-catching performances during last season’s Six Nations campaign before a serious ankle injury.
The 22-year-old is back in the England team looking to play his way back in form, he could cement his place at the heart of the England pack with a solid outing this evening.
England vs Argentina
Word is coming through that thousands of fans are still struggling to get through with lines and queues 100s of people deep to get through the gates.
With less than 20 minutes to go until kick off, many fans are going to miss the start of the game. The organisation at the Stade Velodrome is quite poor by the sound of things.
England vs Argentina
Argentina begin a World Cup campaign ranked two places higher than England in the world standings. That’s uncharted territory for them and the Pumas are the favourites to go on an win this game in Marseille.
Michael Cheika’s side are sixth in the world and claimed a famous first away win in New Zealand last year before also beating England and Australia on the road and finishing third in the recent Rugby Championship.
They’re a force to be reckoned with and the worst possible start to the World Cup for Steve Borthwick’s men.
England vs Argentina
There are still thousands of fans trying to get inside the stadium with less than half an hour away from kick off. The scene has been described as ‘absolute chaos outside the stadium with no organisation.’
England vs Argentina
This is a massive game for England.
Argentina are perhaps their biggest threat in Pool D so should England win tonight they will be in a fine position to get into the quarter-finals.
However, Argentina defeated Engand at Twickenham in November last year and are ranked higher than Steve Borthwick’s men. It’s going to be a slugfest but should England triumph they will take added confidence into the rest of the tournament.
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