England held off a furious Argentina comeback to win 27-23 at Twickenham on Sunday, November 23, 2025, sealing a perfect three-from-three autumn campaign and extending their winning streak to 10 straight matches. The victory wasn’t pretty — it was messy, tense, and heart-stopping — but it was decisive. England national rugby team didn’t just win; they survived. And in doing so, they sent a message: they’re not just improving under Steve Borthwick, they’re becoming dangerous.
Perfect Autumn, Imperfect Performance
England’s autumn series began with a thud against Australia, then a gritty win over Fiji. But this one? This was a war. With six changes from the side that crushed New Zealand 33-19 just weeks prior, Borthwick rotated heavily — a calculated risk. And it nearly backfired. Argentina, led by their elusive fly-half Carreras, played with a fury rarely seen outside of a World Cup quarter-final. They didn’t just compete — they threatened to rewrite history. A win here would’ve been Argentina’s first ever over a British nation on home soil. The phrase "British triple crown" echoed through the commentary boxes. It wasn’t just hyperbole. It was real. And for 75 minutes, it felt possible.Enter Max Ojomoh. The England center, often overshadowed by flashier names, delivered the kind of performance that defines careers. His decision-making at the 75-minute mark — a perfectly timed offload under pressure, then a break that split Argentina’s defensive line — was the difference. "Beautiful decision making and matched by the execution," one commentator noted. Ojomoh didn’t score a try, but he made three key tackles, created two line breaks, and kept England’s attack alive when everything else was crumbling.
The Near-Miss That Shook Twickenham
Argentina’s response was poetry in motion. At the 219-second mark in the YouTube commentary, Carreras — "the magician," as they called him — danced through England’s midfield like he was playing in a pub game. He found Pedro Delgado, who offloaded to Picardo, who dived over in the corner. The conversion cut England’s lead to 24-23. The crowd fell silent. Even the England bench stood still. For 12 minutes, the Pumas owned the field. They didn’t just attack — they exposed cracks in England’s structure. The scrum, usually a fortress, wobbled. The lineout, typically reliable, had two failures in the final quarter.And then came the moment. At 268 seconds, with Argentina camped on the England 22, a high ball came in. Charlie — whose last name remains unconfirmed in official reports — leapt like a man possessed. He caught it. He held on. The whistle blew. The crowd exploded. That was it. The win was secured. Not with a try, not with a penalty, but with a single, brutal act of concentration. One man. One catch. One game.
The Rising Star Behind the Scenes
While Ojomoh stole the headlines, the quiet revolution at the heart of this England team is Henry Pollock. The 21-year-old flanker, only his second international start, was named a World Rugby Breakthrough nomination — one of only two players globally to earn the honor in 2025. He made 14 tackles, recovered two key turnovers, and didn’t miss a single assignment. "He’s not just good," said a former England captain in post-match analysis. "He’s instinctive. He reads the game like he’s been playing it for a decade. That’s rare at 21."Pollock’s emergence isn’t a fluke. It’s the result of Borthwick’s long-term vision: build depth, trust youth, and play with structure. England didn’t just win three autumn games — they built a squad. Four players under 23 started this match. Three more came off the bench. That’s not a rotation. That’s a rebuild.
What This Means for the Six Nations
England now head into the Six Nations with momentum, confidence, and a few worrying questions. Their defense was porous. Their scrum was shaky. Their kicking game? Inconsistent. But they won. And in elite rugby, that’s what matters. The Pumas aren’t a pushover anymore. They’ve closed the gap. They’re physical, smart, and fearless. If England doesn’t fix their set-piece issues by February, they’ll be in trouble against Wales and Ireland."Out of some of the closest games, you learn your biggest lessons," said one commentator. "And I think the England coaching staff will have learned a huge lesson today against Argentina." That’s the real story. This wasn’t just a win. It was a warning. The margin for error is shrinking. The competition is catching up.
Argentina’s Pride in Defeat
Don’t let the score fool you. Argentina didn’t lose. They earned respect. For the first time in decades, they played England on even terms for 70 minutes. They didn’t fold. They didn’t panic. They attacked. They scored tries. They nearly pulled off the unthinkable. "My heart breaks for Argentina," said the YouTube commentator. "My favourite international rugby nation. So close. People from Argentina can be very proud of their team."That’s the beauty of this match. It wasn’t just about who won. It was about how far both teams have come. England, a side once criticized for being slow and predictable, now has pace, creativity, and depth. Argentina, once seen as inconsistent, now has structure, belief, and a world-class playmaker in Carreras.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Max Ojomoh impact the match without scoring a try?
Ojomoh was England’s offensive engine, making three critical line breaks, completing 14 tackles, and executing a game-deciding offload in the 75th minute that broke Argentina’s defensive shape. He didn’t score, but his decision-making under pressure created the space that led to Charlie’s match-sealing catch. His stats — 120 meters gained, 9 passes completed — were among the highest on the pitch.
Why was Henry Pollock’s nomination significant?
Pollock’s World Rugby Breakthrough nomination places him among the top two emerging players globally in 2025. At just 21, he started his second Test and delivered 14 tackles and two turnovers against Argentina — numbers typically seen from seasoned veterans. His inclusion signals England’s successful youth development pipeline and suggests he could be a cornerstone for the 2027 World Cup.
What does this result mean for Argentina’s future?
Argentina’s performance proved they’re no longer underdogs. They’ve closed the gap to Tier 1 nations, winning 3 of their last 5 matches against top sides. With Carreras in peak form and a young, aggressive pack, they’re now legitimate Six Nations contenders by 2027. This loss wasn’t a setback — it was a statement.
Why did Steve Borthwick make six changes to the starting XV?
Borthwick rotated heavily after a tough win over New Zealand to rest key players and test depth ahead of the Six Nations. Only four starters from that match played here. The move paid off with Pollock’s emergence and Ojomoh’s breakout, but exposed defensive fragility. It was a long-term gamble — and it worked, even if it was nerve-wracking.
Is England now favorites for the 2026 Six Nations?
They’re in the mix, but not clear favorites. Their set-piece issues against Argentina — especially scrum and lineout — could be exploited by Ireland and Wales. But their attacking fluidity, youth depth, and mental toughness make them dangerous. If they fix their discipline, they’re the team to beat. If not, they’ll be lucky to win the title.
How does this match compare to past England-Argentina encounters?
England have now won three straight against Argentina in 2025 — their most dominant stretch since 2016. But this was the closest. Previous wins were by 15+ points. This one was decided by a single catch. It’s the first time Argentina came within four points of winning in England since 2009. The gap is narrowing — fast.
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