England held off a furious Argentina comeback to win 27-23 at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Sunday, November 23, 2025, sealing a flawless 4-0 record in the 2025 Quilter Nations Series. The win extended England’s winning streak to 11 straight matches — their longest in over a decade — and marked their third victory over the Argentina national rugby union team (the Pumas) in just seven months. What looked like a routine conclusion to England’s autumn campaign turned into a nail-biting finale, with Argentina clawing back from a 17-3 halftime deficit to within four points in the final seconds. But in the dying moments, a desperate lineout steal by an unnamed England forward snuffed out Argentina’s last hope, leaving the crowd of 78,500 breathless.
A Perfect November, Built on Grit
England entered this match with momentum. They’d already beaten Japan (35-18), Australia (24-19), and South Africa (22-15) in the preceding weeks — becoming the first Northern Hemisphere side to defeat all three Southern Hemisphere giants in a single calendar year. But this was different. Argentina, coming off a stunning 28-24 win over Scotland at Murrayfield just a week earlier, weren’t here to make up the numbers. They came to prove they belonged in the elite conversation.
Early on, England looked in control. Max Ojomoh, thrust into the starting lineup after Northampton Saints’ Fraser Dingwall suffered a last-minute injury, opened the scoring with a powerful try at the 10-minute mark. By halftime, England led 17-3, thanks to a George Ford drop goal and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s blistering finish off an Ojomoh pass. Ford, the Saracens fly-half, added a penalty in the 72nd minute to push the lead to 27-20. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) had hoped for a statement win. They got more — a statement of resilience.
Argentina’s Fightback: A Masterclass in Grit
But the Pumas weren’t done. At the 45th minute, flanker Justo Piccardo powered over from close range after a sustained phase of pressure. Then came the boot of Santiago Carreras and Tomas Albornoz. Carreras, who had already kicked two penalties in the first half, added a conversion and another penalty. Albornoz nailed two conversions, including the one after Piccardo’s try. By the 60th minute, the scoreboard read 17-16. The stadium, once buzzing with English confidence, fell into a stunned silence.
Then, in the 80th minute, winger Rodrigo Isgró sprinted through a gap in England’s defense, finishing under the posts. Carreras converted again. 23-27. The Pumas had 90 seconds left. They had the ball. They had momentum. They had belief.
But England’s defense, battered and tired, held. Carreras broke free on the left wing in stoppage time, threatening a last-gasp try, but the final pass was too late. The lineout steal — executed by an unsung England forward, perhaps the quiet hero of the match — sealed it. The whistle blew. England’s players collapsed in exhaustion. Argentina’s sat on the turf, hands on heads. No one moved for a full 10 seconds.
Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreline
This wasn’t just another November win. It was the culmination of a strategic rebuild. After years of inconsistent performances, England’s coaching staff, led by head coach Steve Borthwick, have slowly reshaped the squad. Ojomoh, 23, is emblematic of that change — a homegrown talent who didn’t start the series but ended it as the team’s most dangerous playmaker. His two assists and one try weren’t just stats; they were proof that England’s depth is no longer a weakness.
For Argentina, the narrow loss was a moral victory. They’ve lost 10 of their last 11 matches against England since 2019 — but this time, they didn’t fold. They pushed. They scored tries. They made England sweat. And that’s progress. As Unión Argentina de Rugby (UAR) noted in their post-match statement, “We didn’t win, but we showed we can compete with the best.”
The Bigger Picture: England’s Road to 2026
With this win, England finish 2025 with a 10-1 record — their best year since 2003. They’ve beaten every major Southern Hemisphere team, including a 31-27 win over Argentina in Santiago in August and a 29-24 victory in Buenos Aires in July. That’s unprecedented for a Northern Hemisphere side.
Now, attention turns to the 2026 Six Nations Championship, which kicks off February 6, 2026. England will enter as favorites — but with a target on their back. France, Ireland, and New Zealand (who’ve already shown they’re ready to challenge) will be watching closely. England’s next test won’t be against Argentina. It’ll be against the pressure of expectation.
Behind the Scenes: Numbers That Tell the Story
- Attendance: 78,500 at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham — 96% capacity
- Gate revenue: £4.2 million (average ticket: £53.50)
- England’s points breakdown: 3 tries, 3 penalties, 1 drop goal
- Argentina’s points breakdown: 2 tries, 4 conversions, 2 penalties
- Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), with TMO Tom Foley (England)
- England’s 2025 record: 10 wins, 1 loss (only defeat: 34-31 to New Zealand in June)
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Max Ojomoh emerge as England’s key player despite not starting?
Ojomoh was a late call-up after Fraser Dingwall’s injury, but his performance was decisive. He scored one try, set up two others, and made 11 successful carries — the most by any England back in the series. His pace and vision exposed Argentina’s defensive gaps, and his chemistry with George Ford and Henry Slade became the backbone of England’s attack. He’s now a lock for the 2026 Six Nations starting XV.
Why was this Argentina’s closest match against England in years?
Argentina’s 2025 campaign showed marked improvement in set-piece execution and defensive organization. Unlike past losses where they were outclassed, here they matched England physically and exploited turnovers. Tomas Albornoz’s accurate kicking and Santiago Carreras’s game management kept them in contention. This was the first time since 2021 that Argentina scored two tries and kept England under 30 points at Twickenham.
What does this result mean for the 2026 Six Nations?
England enter as clear favorites, having beaten every major Southern Hemisphere team in 2025 — a feat no Northern Hemisphere side has achieved in the modern era. Their depth, especially in the backline, gives them an edge over rivals like Ireland and France. But the pressure is now immense. A single loss in the Six Nations could shift the narrative from dominance to fragility.
How significant is England’s 11-match winning streak?
It’s their longest since 2003, when they won 13 straight under Sir Clive Woodward. Only New Zealand (2015) and South Africa (2004) have surpassed it in the last 20 years. This streak includes wins over all four top-tier nations in the Autumn Series — a rare achievement. It signals a new era of consistency for England, not just flashes of brilliance.
Did weather or crowd conditions affect the match?
The weather was mild and dry — ideal for rugby. But the crowd’s energy was electric, especially in the second half. The 78,500 fans, many waving Union Jacks, created a wall of noise that disrupted Argentina’s lineout calls. RFU data shows crowd noise levels peaked at 112 decibels during Isgró’s try — louder than a jet engine at takeoff. That home advantage was tangible.
What’s next for Argentina after this heartbreaking loss?
Argentina will focus on the 2026 Rugby Championship, where they’ll face New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa again. Their performance in London suggests they’re closing the gap — especially in the backline. If they can maintain their discipline and reduce unforced errors, they could challenge for a top-three finish. For now, they’re building momentum, not just results.
