Steady progress with a dose of honesty served up by the fearsome Pumas
England closed their autumn internationals account with an historic four‑Test clean sweep – their first at HQ since 2016. They’re now on a run of 11 games on the bounce. How things change.
On paper, Steve Borthwick’s side are firmly in credit following the Quilter Nations Series: 17 tries scored, momentum restored, and a squad learning different ways to win when the pressure is on. The final whistle against Argentina was no coronation. A 27‑23 victory left Twickenham relieved rather than jubilant, and the headlines were hijacked by ugly scenes in the tunnel. Not perfect. But a win’s a win.
Tempers flare after the game
Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi accused flanker Tom Curry of a reckless tackle that left full‑back Juan Cruz Mallía with a suspected ACL injury, reducing the Pumas to 14 men. He went further, alleging Curry shoved and swore at him in a post‑match scuffle, branding the England man a “bully.”
England refused to inflame matters. Borthwick defended Curry’s “impeccable character.” This diplomatic fallout overshadowed the rugby, leaving a sour aftertaste to what should have been a celebration.
The contest: From cruise control to crisis
England surged to a 17‑0 lead inside 25 minute thanks to a George Ford drop-goal, a stunning opportunist try by Max Ojomoh, whose pinpoint cross‑kick moments later created a try for Immanuel Feyi‑Waboso.
Argentina clawed back after half‑time through a Justo Piccardo try and penalties from Tomás Albornoz and Santiago Carreras. Within the blink of an eye the game had narrowed to 17‑16.
Pragmatic, bruising, nervy
England steadied themselves: Ojomoh offloaded for Henry Slade to score in the 66th minute, Ford added a penalty and England clung on despite a late Rodrigo Isgró try.
Final score: England 27 – 23 Argentina. Phew.
England’s autumn in numbers
• 4 wins (including the All Blacks) from 4 – first Twickenham clean sweep since 2016.
• 17 tries scored across the series.
• 11 straight victories under Borthwick.
• 78 kicks in the Argentina match, 40 from England – a clear tactical ploy.
Six Nations 2026: Predictions
Foucs now inevitably shifts to the Six Nations. The momentum is with England, so this forecast is bold:
• England v Wales (Twickenham, 7 Feb): England to win emphatically, outgunning a sub-par Wales across the paddock.
• Scotland v England (Murrayfield, 14 Feb): a hostile Calcutta Cup clash, which England will edge with their superior forward power.
• England v Ireland (Twickenham, 21 Feb): 50/50: Ireland’s breakdown intensity could be the decisive factor, but England have the tools to neutralise it. Too close to call.
• Italy v England (Rome, 7 Mar): England expected to win, but Italy, improving every year, are not to be underestimated.
• France v England (Paris, 14 Mar): England to win in Paris with Ford’s control, Slade’s cutting edge, and Ojomoh’s creativity silencing the Stade de France.
I predict England will be 2026 Six Nations champions, albeit perhaps not with a Grand Slam sweep, which are incredibly difficult to pull off these days. They will win four from five, including in Paris. A Grand Slam hinges on whether they can outgun Ireland at Twickenham.
Verdict – looking ahead to 2027 RWC in Australia
England’s autumn ends with progress and pride, but, following a nerve-jangling finish against Argentina, a healthy dose of honesty.
The 2026 Six Nations is England’s chance to build on a 100% autumn series win record – with a view to peaking for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
