England's rugby team emerged victorious from the cauldron of controversy that was the final match of their gruelling summer tour. A thrilling 31-24 win over Argentina in Salta, where they played with 13 men for parts of the second half, capped off a season that has tested the nation's pride to its limits. The visitors' attacking prowess, fuelled by a barnstorming performance from winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and a brace of tries from Ben Earl, had them in command at half-time with a 19-3 lead.
A potent cocktail of pace, skill and determination saw England's backline click into gear, as Fin Smith's pinpoint cross-kick set up Tommy Freeman for an early try. Despite their blistering start, however, the visitors found themselves on the back foot in the second half, their discipline unravelling like a burst seam under intense pressure. Four yellow cards – handed out to Jack van Poortvliet, Alex Coles, Henry Pollock and debutant Manny Iyogun – left them with 13 men at key moments, allowing Argentina to mount an incredible comeback.
The Pumas' spirited fightback saw them haul themselves back into contention, reducing the deficit and setting up a heart-stopping finale. But crucial late tries from Marcus Smith and Feyi-Waboso sealed the win for England, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in a match that had it all – drama, excitement, and controversy.
The hosts thought they'd secured a stunning late winner, only to have their hopes dashed by the Television Match Official (TMO), who ruled out the try for a marginal infringement. It was a decision that sparked debate among the travelling England fans, but ultimately ensured the visitors held on for the win.
This triumph, coming after a chastening defeat in Johannesburg and a dominant victory against Fiji in Liverpool, will bring a measure of satisfaction to head coach Steve Borthwick and his squad. The 26,000-mile journey across multiple continents has been a marathon, not a sprint – but securing a win in Argentina, where so many teams have faltered before them, provides a welcome conclusion to an exhausting campaign.