England secured a hard-fought 27-23 victory over Argentina in a gripping rugby union Test match at Twickenham, extending their winning streak to 11 games and completing a perfect four-Test autumn series for the first time since 2016. The win underscores a remarkable turnaround for the team, which has developed a resilient spirit and winning habit after a challenging 2024 season.
The match was a tense affair, with England clinging to a narrow lead as Argentina mounted a fierce comeback in the final minutes. The Pumas scored a late try and came within meters of a potential game-leveling score, leaving the Twickenham crowd on edge until the very last play. England’s defense, though faltering at times, held firm under pressure, while their attack struggled with coherence and conceded 14 penalties, highlighting areas needing improvement. Despite these issues, the team demonstrated grit and determination to emerge victorious in a contest that tested their mettle.
Max Ojomoh emerged as the standout performer, earning man-of-the-match honors with a polished display that showcased his all-round skills. The center played a pivotal role in England’s three tries, using his fast feet, deft kicking, and soft hands to break through Argentina’s defense and create scoring opportunities. Ojomoh’s performance was particularly notable as he seized his chance after being a late addition to the starting lineup due to injuries to other key players like Fraser Dingwall and Ollie Lawrence. His inclusion highlighted the depth of England’s squad and the competitive environment within the team.
Ojomoh’s opportunity arose from a whirlwind week, where he initially thought he would not be selected and even returned home before being recalled. He credited attack coach Lee Blackett for advising him to grind it out and take his chance when it came, a mindset that paid dividends on the field. The supportive culture among England’s centers was evident, with messages from teammates like Fraser Dingwall, Luke Northmore, and Oscar Beard empowering Ojomoh to excel. This camaraderie reflects a broader team ethos focused on collective success rather than individual rivalry.
England’s current winning streak matches a record set during the peak Clive Woodward era between 2000 and 2001, a period that included iconic moments like Dan Luger’s last-minute try against Australia. However, this team has yet to achieve a statement win of that magnitude against a world champion side, indicating room for growth. The back row of Lawrence Dallaglio, Neil Back, and Richard Hill from that era set a high bar for unit cohesion, which the current squad is still striving to match through experimentation and player development.
The victory caps a significant improvement from 2024, when England suffered three consecutive losses to top-tier nations like New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa, often crumbling in the final quarters. Now, the small margins are swinging in their favor, thanks to accumulated experience, strategic adjustments, and a deeper player pool. Players like Alex Coles and Guy Pepper have also stepped up this autumn, contributing with athletic performances and understated excellence that bolster England’s options across the field.
Looking ahead, England face stern tests in the Six Nations, with an away match against France looming large as a critical benchmark. In a global rugby landscape where South Africa stands alone at the summit, England are positioning themselves as the Springboks’ closest challengers, driven by a spirit that could prove decisive in upcoming competitions. The team’s ability to ‘dog out’ wins—a phrase Ojomoh used to describe their gritty approach—suggests a mental toughness that will be essential for sustaining success.
As England build momentum, the focus shifts to refining their flow and complementing units more effectively to handle higher-stakes encounters. The autumn sweep provides a solid foundation, but consistency against elite opposition will define their progress. With the Six Nations on the horizon, England’s blend of emerging talent and hardened veterans offers promise for a team determined to make 2025 a year of continued achievement and renewed confidence.
