1 Fin Baxter
Giving Ellis Genge the opportunity to make an impact late in the match is one reason Fin Baxter may continue to start. Although his showing against New Zealand wasn’t his strongest, he remains a quality operator and part of a rotation that works well for England.
2 Jamie George
Experience is the main ingredient Jamie George brings when anchoring a front row that includes two relatively inexperienced props. His reliability—and leadership—add balance to the starting pack.
3 Joe Heyes
Increasingly physical and technically steady, Joe Heyes has begun delivering the kind of performances England’s coaches have long believed he was capable of. His scrummaging and defensive presence impressed even against a formidable All Blacks pack.
4 Maro Itoje
There is no debate around Maro Itoje: as captain and emotional leader, he is the first name on the team sheet.
5 Alex Coles
England’s lineout noticeably improved once Alex Coles hit his stride against the All Blacks. He may not be the sort to smash through defensive lines, but his work rate, carrying and overall engine make him indispensable.
6 Ollie Chessum
If fit again, Ollie Chessum offers England a heavier, more abrasive presence at blindside. Equally comfortable in the second row, he strengthens both the set piece and the physical battle—exactly what might unsettle Argentina.
7 Sam Underhill
Reasserting his status as a key defensive figure, Sam Underhill delivered another bruising performance marked by relentless tackling. He scored a try too, to top off what was a very solid shift from the Bath man. His refusal to retreat from contact remains a hallmark of his game.
8 Ben Earl
Carrying twenty times and defending with commitment, Ben Earl produced the kind of all-action display that has become his trademark. A yellow card did little to undermine an otherwise outstanding effort, and his late cameo in the centres showed his versatility. He looks firmly entrenched as England’s premier No. 8 moving forward.
Replacements:
16 Luke Cowan-Dickie
17 Ellis Genge
18 Will Stuart
19 Chandler Cunningham-South
20 Tom Curry
21 Henry Pollock
22 Ben Spencer
23 Elliot Daly
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