England’s rugby union team didn’t just win — they survived. At Twickenham on Sunday, November 23, 2025, they held off a furious Argentina national rugby union team comeback to win 27-23, sealing their first autumn clean sweep since 2021. The final whistle blew at 83 minutes, after England Rugby’s defense held firm under relentless pressure, capped by Ben Earl’s last-gasp line-out steal just meters from the try line. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t easy. But it was everything English rugby needed right now.
Fast Start, Fraying Finish
England came out like a team possessed. Within 25 minutes, they’d built a 17-0 lead. George Ford slotted a precision drop-goal, and Max Ojomoh, just two caps into his international career, powered over for a try after Immanuel Feyi-Waboso won a contested kick in the air. Argentina, stunned, finally responded through Tomas Albornoz’s long-range penalty. But even then, England looked in control — until they weren’t.The Pumas’ Fightback
The second half opened like a different game. Justo Piccardo barged through a tired English line to score, and Albornoz added another penalty. Suddenly, the 17-point cushion was down to three. The crowd fell silent. Memories of Argentina’s stunning 33-24 comeback against Scotland just seven days earlier — when they overcame a 21-0 deficit — began to creep in. This wasn’t just a match. It was a test of character.Enter Henry Slade. In the 65th minute, he crashed over after Ojomoh once again carved open the defense. The try didn’t kill Argentina — but it steadied England. Ojomoh, the quiet engine of this win, had now created two tries and scored one. He was the man of the match not because of flash, but because of relentless, intelligent play.
Earl’s Heroics and the Final Minutes
With two minutes left, Argentina had one last chance. A line-out deep in England’s 22. A maul. A surge. The crowd held its breath. Then — Ben Earl. The flanker, usually known for his ball-carrying, timed his jump perfectly. He ripped the ball clean. The whistle blew. The win was sealed. No drama. No controversy. Just pure, unadulterated defense.It was the kind of moment that defines teams. Not the tries, not the drop-goals — the stop. The refusal to yield. That’s what separated England this autumn.
What Made This Win Different
England entered this match on an 11-game winning streak — their only loss in 2025 coming against Ireland in February. But this wasn’t a victory built on dominance. It was built on grit. They played without injured stars Ollie Lawrence and Tom Roebuck, who’d scored in last week’s 33-19 win over the New Zealand national rugby union team. Elliot Daly stepped in on the wing, his first game since recovering from an undisclosed injury.Meanwhile, Argentina arrived with momentum. Their win over Scotland was the kind of performance that makes you believe anything’s possible. They didn’t just play — they believed. And for 50 minutes, they nearly pulled it off.
Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreline
This clean sweep — wins over Argentina, New Zealand, and earlier in the autumn, Italy and Fiji — is more than a stat. It’s a statement. After years of inconsistency, England’s under Steve Borthwick are building something real. They’re not just winning — they’re learning how to win when things fall apart. The 2023 World Cup was a disappointment. But 2025? This is a team finding its rhythm.The next test? Wales versus South Africa Principality Stadium on November 29. It’s not just a fixture — it’s a benchmark. If England’s current form holds, they’ll be serious contenders for the 2027 World Cup.
Behind the Scenes: The Unseen Struggles
Few noticed that England Rugby had to reshuffle their entire backline after Lawrence and Roebuck were ruled out. Ojomoh, who’d only started two Tests before this match, was thrust into the center of the storm. He didn’t just adapt — he thrived. And George Ford, at 30, showed why he’s still the tactical brain of the team. His drop-goal wasn’t just a score — it was a statement of composure under pressure.Argentina’s Tomas Albornoz was magnificent — 7/8 on kicks, including a 52-meter penalty. But even he couldn’t overcome the weight of England’s defense in the final minutes. It was a match that reminded everyone: rugby isn’t won by the best players. It’s won by the team that refuses to break.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Max Ojomoh emerge as man-of-the-match with only two previous caps?
Ojomoh, a 23-year-old inside centre with just two prior England appearances, became the offensive heartbeat of the team. He created two tries — including one for Feyi-Waboso and the decisive score by Henry Slade — while also scoring himself. His defensive work rate and decision-making under pressure impressed coaches and analysts alike, proving he’s more than just a talent — he’s a game-changer in high-stakes moments.
Why was Ben Earl’s line-out steal so critical?
With Argentina just 10 meters from England’s try line and the clock past 80 minutes, a try would’ve tied the game. Earl’s steal wasn’t just a turnover — it was a psychological blow. It ended Argentina’s last serious attack and confirmed England’s ability to close out tight games. This is the kind of moment that separates contenders from pretenders in international rugby.
How does this win compare to England’s previous autumn campaigns?
England’s last autumn clean sweep came in 2021, when they beat Argentina, South Africa, and Japan. This year’s victory over New Zealand — a team they hadn’t beaten in a Test since 2020 — makes this sweep more significant. Unlike 2021, this team won despite injuries, without their star centers, and under immense pressure. It signals deeper resilience.
What’s the impact on England’s World Cup chances?
With 11 straight wins and a defense that’s tightened under pressure, England are now among the top contenders for the 2027 World Cup. Their ability to win ugly — against Argentina, as they did against New Zealand — shows they can adapt. If they maintain this form through the Six Nations next year, they’ll enter the tournament as favorites, not outsiders.
Why did England play without Ollie Lawrence and Tom Roebuck?
Both players suffered injuries during the 33-19 win over New Zealand the previous week. Lawrence, a key center, and Roebuck, a dynamic wing, were ruled out for the Argentina match. Their absence forced Steve Borthwick to reshuffle the backline, giving opportunities to players like Elliot Daly and Max Ojomoh — a move that ultimately paid off.
Is Argentina improving as a team?
Absolutely. Their comeback against Scotland and their near-upset at Twickenham show they’re no longer just underdogs. With Tomas Albornoz commanding the fly-half role and Justo Piccardo emerging as a reliable center, Argentina are becoming a consistent threat. They’re not yet world-beaters — but they’re no longer easy wins.