England won the Rugby World Cup third place playoff with a 26-23 victory in an enthralling encounter against Argentina that was full of passion and competitiveness.

Michael Cheika led Argentina in his final outing for the Pumas, while Steve Borthwick’s tenure of England seems to finally be clicking into gear. 

It was a game of immense physicality and intensity with the contest arguably the most competitive third place playoff in the competitions recent history. 

England’s early kicking game provided Tom Curry with a chance to secure a penalty jackal and Owen Farrell stepped up to slot the three-pointer. 

Moments later Englands’ early start continued to be rewarded as Ben Earl powered over hitting an excellent line after Theo Dan’s strong carry.

Farrell enhanced England’s lead with a second penalty and despite Argentina enjoying a purple patch of their own in possession and territory, Steve Borthwick’s side. 

Emiliano Boffelli got Argentina on the board with a chip shot but his effort was cancelled out by another penalty from England’s skipper with the returning Sam Underhill on his first appearance of the World Cup, proving deadly in collisions. 

It was game on before half time as Tomas Cubelli crossed after a scintillating break from the Argentinian backline. 

There was an element of controversy in the move as looked like it included a forward pass but the officials didn’t look at it. 

Gloucester fly-half Santiago Carreras evaded tackles as he danced his way through the England defence to wipe out the England lead and overturn the deficit after the interval. 

One of the players that missed his tackle on Carreras was hooker Dan but off the restart the Saracen charged down Carreras’ kick and grounded to restore England’s lead.

Boffelli reduced the deficit to three points but after England’s replacement props earned a penalty, Farrell continued his 100 per cent accuracy off the tee. 

However, at the other end George Ford was ruled offside and Boffelli continued the kicking dual.

Argentina centurion Nicolas Sanchez missed a routine shot at goal and despite the Pumas continuing to push forward the England defence stood tall with Ollie Lawrence making a vital tackle.