England player ratings vs Argentina: Ford, Willis, Roebuck shine

05/07/2025 19:40

Estadio Uno

Ref: Angus Gardner

Argentina

Internationals

12

35

England 2

Matera (51'), Rubiolo (60')

Tries

Roebuck (41', 48'), Steward (45'), Murley (74')

Carreras (60')

Conversions

Ford (46', 49', 75')

Penalties

Ford (64', 68')

England Starting XV

1. Fin Baxter
   8/10 - A tackling machine with 17 big hits, including some massive charges early on.

2. Jamie George
   9/10 - Line-out master and defensive rock. Repeatedly helped England repel Argentina from close range. Topped England's tackle count in the first half.

3. Joe Heyes
   8/10 - Dominated the scrum, earned key penalties, carried hard, and even assisted a try through sharp link-play.

4. Charlie Ewels
   6/10 - Solid lineout and defense until an unfortunate dislocated finger moment, but a dependable presence.

5. Alex Coles
   6.5/10 - High-intensity performance: energetic tackling but caught out early and briefly sin-binned .

6. Ben Curry
   6.5/10 - Effective return from injury with 14 tackles and steady work rate.

7. Sam Underhill
   8/10 - High defensive line-speed and pressure. Racked up 17 tackles in just over an hour—fierce effort.

8. Tom Willis
   9/10 - A sensational performance: 20 powerful carries, 17 tackles, key turnovers, and a crucial try-saver while underpowered in a man-down scenario.

9. Ben Spencer
   7/10 - Solid control through box-kicks in the first half, and more tempo-driven attacking in the second. Helped maintain field position.

10. George Ford
    9/10 - Masterful orchestration of the game: a composed drop goal, five goal kicks, a stunning pass for Steward’s try, and unwavering leadership on his 100th cap.

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11. Will Muir
    7/10 - Strong debut: punchy carries and depth in kick chases, crucial for supporting Roebuck’s tries.

12. Seb Atkinson
    7/10 - Debut jitters aside, he performed like a forward with 17 tackles. His discipline cost him a yellow, but his defensive grit stood out.

13. Henry Slade
    6/10 - Suffered a massive early hit but recovered to deliver reliable defense. Quiet in attack and committed errors in the tight channels.

14. Tom Roebuck
    9/10 - A stunning debut, with two well-taken tries. His early kick-chase earned field position that led to Ford’s drop goal. A brilliant showing.

15. Freddie Steward
    8.5/10 - A near-flawless start to the second half, providing a crisp assist for Roebuck’s opening try and finishing strongly himself. Held his own under the high ball and brought intelligence in support play.

England Replacements

16. Theo Dan
    N/A/10 - Too late.

17. Bevan Rodd
    6/10 - Quiet impact.

18. Asher Opoku-Fordjour
    6.5/10 - Solid scrummaging

19. Chandler Cunningham-South
    7/10 - Good second row option.

20. Guy Pepper
    7/10 - Breakdown prowess.

21. Alex Dombrandt
    6.5/10 - Neat turnover.

22. Jack van Poortvliet
    7/10 - Textbook 50:22.

23. Cadan Murley
    7/10 - Strong carries before try.