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England edges past Argentina in tense 27-23 victory, marking 11th consecutive win
England secured an 11th straight Test victory with a hard-fought 27-23 win over Argentina at Twickenham on Monday, though the performance exposed lingering weaknesses in attack and discipline. Despite conceding 14 penalties and nearly surrendering a late lead, Steve Borthwick's side held on to complete their first unbeaten autumn series since 2016.
Flaws overshadowed by resilience
The narrow scoreline reflected a match fraught with errors. England's attack lacked cohesion at times, while their defense faltered in the second half as Argentina stormed back with 13 unanswered points. A late Pumas try and a near-clincher in the final play underscored England's vulnerability under pressure. Yet, where close games slipped away in 2024-against New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa-this team now finds ways to prevail.
"The last five minutes sums up where we are as a team," said center Max Ojomoh, whose standout performance earned him player-of-the-match honors. "We're happy to grind out wins like that."
Ojomoh seizes unexpected opportunity
Ojomoh, a late inclusion due to injuries to Fraser Dingwall and Ollie Lawrence, delivered a breakthrough performance with 91 meters gained-second-highest on the team-and pivotal contributions to England's three tries. His fast feet, precise kicking, and deft handling offered a glimpse of midfield potential England has long sought.
"On Wednesday, if you're not picked, you're sent home," Ojomoh recounted to BBC Radio 5 Live. "I went back to my house, then had to rush back. I only found out Friday I'd start. It's been a whirlwind."
"[Attack coach] Lee Blackett told me I'd have to grind it out until an opportunity came. Hopefully, this counts as taking it."
Max Ojomoh
His display reignited competition in England's midfield, where Tommy Freeman, Seb Atkinson, Elliot Daly, and Henry Slade vie for roles. "There's no position-hating among us centers," Ojomoh noted, highlighting the squad's depth.
Depth and momentum build ahead of Six Nations
Injuries to first-choice locks George Martin and Ollie Chessum opened the door for Alex Coles, whose late break set up Henry Slade's try. Flanker Guy Pepper, with four understated but effective starts this autumn, further bolstered England's forward options.
While this team lacks a signature win akin to Clive Woodward's 2001 side-which stunned world champion Australia with a last-gasp Dan Luger try-its consistency and resilience mark progress. With South Africa standing alone atop world rugby, England's claim as the Springboks' nearest challenger grows stronger.
Challenges loom, but winning habit takes root
The road ahead includes sterner tests, notably an away clash with France to conclude the 2026 Six Nations. Yet, after the disappointments of 2024, England's 2025 revival-built on defense, depth, and a burgeoning winning mentality-suggests a team poised for greater heights.
"After the pain of last year, we're having our day now," Ojomoh said. The question remains: Can England turn narrow escapes into dominance?
