In a dramatic Nations Championship match, England narrowly defeated Argentina after a controversial late try was disallowed, maintaining their lead despite significant discipline issues.
New Delhi, India Jul 19, 2026 ALN: Nations Championship - round three
Argentina (3) 24
Tries: Carreras, penalty try, Piccardo Cons: Albornoz 2 Pen: Albornoz
England (19) 31
Tries: Freeman, Earl 2, M Smith, Feyi-Waboso Cons: F Smith 3
England held on to beat Argentina in a chaotic match in the Nations Championship after the hosts had a last-gasp try controversially ruled out in Santiago del Estero.
The match, held on a crisp afternoon in Santiago del Estero, showcased the intense rivalry between the two nations, both of which have rich traditions. England, with a storied history, came into the match with the pressure of needing a victory after a disappointing Six Nations campaign earlier in the year. Argentina, known for their passionate fan base and vibrant culture, aimed to capitalize on home advantage.
With 13-man England leading 31-24, Argentina wing Bautista Delguy scored in the corner with the final play - leaving a difficult conversion to secure a draw. The tension in the stadium was palpable as the crowd erupted, believing they had witnessed a dramatic comeback. However, the drama escalated when referee Angus Gardner, who had originally awarded the try, consulted the television match official, Brett Cronan, who insisted Delguy was in touch. This decision was met with disbelief from the Argentine players and fans alike.
While Gardner repeatedly suggested there was no clear evidence to overturn his original on-field call, the try was ultimately chalked off, leaving the Argentine team and supporters in shock. Henry Slade's covering tackle on Delguy proved to be the decisive moment, with Gardner surrounded by frustrated Argentina players at full-time, highlighting the fine margins that can dictate the outcome of such tightly contested matches.
The late officiating decision in the visitors' favor came just three days after England's football team suffered a heart-breaking defeat by Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals, adding an extra layer of narrative to the ing weekend. The emotional rollercoaster for both nations was evident, as fans had to navigate the highs and lows of within such a short timeframe.
A combined seven yellow cards were shown in Saturday's action-packed thriller, with England receiving four in the second half and twice being down to 13 players. This level of discipline, or lack thereof, has been a point of concern for the England coaching staff. Steve Borthwick's side looked set for back-to-back Nations Championship wins after Tommy Freeman's try and two scores from Ben Earl gave them a 16-point half-time lead, showcasing their attacking prowess and ability to capitalize on opportunities.
The Pumas, who wore replicas of the football team's 1986 World Cup kit for the match, aimed to use the nostalgic uniforms as a rallying cry, drawing inspiration from past glories. They scored next, with Santiago Carreras crossing the line, before taking advantage of two England yellow cards, but their own ill-discipline prevented them from punishing the visitors further. The match highlighted the duality of , where moments of brilliance can be overshadowed by lapses in discipline.
Marcus Smith's try in the corner came with number eight Joaquin Oviedo in the sin-bin, before Santiago Carreras joined his teammate on the sidelines for 10 minutes. England's ability to score during these critical moments proved vital in maintaining their lead, demonstrating their depth and tactical execution. An individual try from Immanuel Feyi-Waboso then silenced the passionate home crowd, further extending England's lead and putting pressure back on the Pumas.
However, England replacements Henry Pollock and Emmanuel Iyogun were next to be sent to the sin-bin, making for a nervy finish. The situation on the field became increasingly chaotic, as both teams struggled to maintain their composure under the mounting pressure. Justo Piccardo's late try and Argentina's subsequent break had 13-man England scrambling, only for a combination of Noah Caluori and Slade to do just enough to deny Delguy in the final play, highlighting the resilience and determination of the English defense.
Having gained the backing of the Football Association after just one win in this year's Six Nations - England's worst performance since the tournament's expansion from the Five Nations in 2000 - this summer's fixtures were pivotal for Borthwick's future. The stakes were high, and the pressure was palpable, as the team sought to rebuild confidence and momentum in the wake of their earlier struggles.
Discipline was one area the Football (RFU) wanted to see improvement in, with England now up to 14 yellows and one red card shown in the past eight matches. This alarming trend has raised questions about the team's ability to maintain control in high-pressure situations, a crucial aspect of international where discipline can often be the difference between victory and defeat.
A tough defeat at Ellis Park against world champion South Africa was expected, but wins over Fiji and Argentina have set England up well for November's Nations Championship games. The upcoming matches will be critical as England seeks to solidify its standing in international and restore pride after a tumultuous period.
The match saw Argentina donning a striped jersey reminiscent of their 1986 World Cup victory, adding extra spice to the encounter. The choice of kit was a deliberate nod to the past, aiming to inspire the current generation of players and fans alike. Despite their efforts, England's impressive scramble defense and attacking threat proved decisive in the end, showcasing their ability to adapt and respond under pressure.
As the match concluded, the atmosphere was charged, with England narrowly escaping a chaotic finish. The emotional intensity of the encounter not only highlighted the competitive nature of but also underscored the deep-rooted connections between s and national identity. The implications of this match extend beyond the scoreboard, as both teams continue to navigate their respective paths in the world of , with fans eagerly anticipating their next encounters.
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