England’s rugby tour came to a farcical end in Washington DC overnight when their victory over the United States was punctuated by three 30-minute delays due to lightning strikes.
England’s rugby tour came to a farcical end in Washington DC overnight when their victory over the United States was punctuated by three 30-minute delays due to lightning strikes.
A match due to start at 10.05pm UK time eventually came to an end at 01.42am, by which time many of the Audi Field crowd, who had travelled from as far afield as Texas and California, were long gone.
England were scheduled to follow the USA versus Fiji women’s match, completed without delay, albeit in stifling conditions at Audi Field.
Before they could get going a lightning strike within 10 miles of the venue caused a mandatory half hour delay. Before that had elapsed another somewhere in the vicinity forced a further 30 minutes.
The game eventually got underway, an hour late and under the darkest of skies. There was time for Curtis Langdon and Luke Northmore to score tries, albeit with the US down to 14 - fly-half Chris Hilsenbeck in the sin bin.
But then came another weather alert and with it an instruction for the crowd - officially given as 19,079 - to urgently seek cover in the concourses.
Another half hour passed before the players re-emerged to watery sunshine. They played 12 more minutes, enough for Cadan Murley to claim England’s third try - before the game stopped again, this time for half-time.
The freakish circumstances meant Steve Borthwick’s team didn’t find any rhythm until the final quarter when scrum-halves Jack van Poortvliet and Harry Randall each added a try and Gabriel Oghre claimed one on debut.
But England will take little from an occasion which serves as a warning to football chiefs of the disruption potentially heading their way when the FIFA World Cup comes to North America next summer.
A year to the day the World Cup final will be staged, just 200 miles to the north east, in New York.
USA: E Storti; R McLean, D Besag, T Pittman, T Fricker; C Hilsenbeck, R de Haas; E Lindenmuth, K Geiger, P Davis, M Redlinghuys, T Naqali, B Bonasso (capt), C Daniel, J Fa’anana Schultz.
England: J Carpenter; I Feyi-Waboso, L Northmore, M Ojomoh, C Murley; G Ford (capt, C Atkinson 63), J van Poortvliet (H Randall 54); B Rodd (F Baxter 52), C Langdon (G Oghre 66), A Opoku-Fordjour (T Davison 65), A Coles, A Clark, C Cunningham-South (T Hill 66), G Pepper, A Dombrandt (B Curry 51).
Scores: 5-0 Langdon try (12 mins); 7-0 Ford con (13); 12-0 Northmore try (19); Ford con (20); 19-0 Murley try; 24-0 Van Poortvliet try (42); 26-0 Ford con (43); 31-0 Randall try (62); 33-0 Ford con (63); 38-0 Oghre try (74); 40-0 C Atkinson con (75); 40-5 Klein try (82).
01:49 AM BST
The thoughts of England captain George Ford
“There has been lot of hard work. The conditions were difficult tonight. I am proud of the boys. It is the last game of a four-week tour for us.
“We have won all three games, we have had six new caps, I am proud of the effort of everyone.
“The boys have been unbelievable all tour. They deserve that tonight. It is a proud moment for the families, so we will celebrate.”
01:44 AM BST
The thoughts of USA captain Benjamin Bonasso
“It is always tough to face a Tier One team. It is a big challenge but the boys stayed on it. We trusted the process and got a try at the end of the game. We have got to keep going.
“Facing this type of speed and conditions always makes you better. We will come in to the Pacific Nations Cup and qualifiers for the World Cup and it will help us a lot.”
01:42 AM BST
Full time
That is it in Washington DC and England end their summer tour with a comfortable victory. The final score; USA 5-40 England.
That's all from DC 🫡#USAvENGpic.twitter.com/yFx6jTPVQo
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) July 20, 2025
01:41 AM BST
TRY! Klein gets US on the scoresheet at the death
The hosts do get a try before the end. Poidevin peals around the front of the maul and bulldozes through the tackle of Randall before offloading to Klein, who scores in the corner. The conversion is unsuccessful.
01:40 AM BST
80 mins: USA 0 England 40
The hosts have one final chance to get on the scoresheet as they win a penalty inside the England half and they kick it into the England 22 with the clock in the red.
01:37 AM BST
79 mins: USA 0 England 40
Not a game to remember unless, of course, you are one of six England debutants. Joe Carpenter, Arthur Clark and the excellent Max Ojomoh all started, Charlie Atkinson, Oscar Beard and Gabriel Oghre came off the bench to contribute late points. It is a day they will not easily forget.
01:32 AM BST
TRY! Oghre over on debut
A nice moment for the Bristol hooker on his England debut. England win the lineout and set the maul, which rolls to within five metres of the US line. Oghre breaks from the maul and there is no stopping him as he powers over. C Atkinson gets the easy conversion.
01:31 AM BST
73 mins: USA 0 England 33
England have a scrum just outside the US 22 and are awarded the penalty. C Atkinson sends it into the corner.
01:29 AM BST
72 mins: USA 0 England 33
The game is getting a little loose and there are a few handling errors creeping in, perhaps owing to the warm temperatures in Washington DC.
01:26 AM BST
69 mins: USA 0 England 33
England’s scrum dominates and they win a penalty on the US 10-metre line. C Atkinson sends the kick into the US 22.
England get to within five metres of the line but they knock on.
01:23 AM BST
66 mins: USA 0 England 33
Two more changes are made in the England pack as Oghre and Hill replace Langdon and Cunningham-South. It is an England debut for Oghre.
01:22 AM BST
65 mins: USA 0 England 33
An England change in the front-row as Davison replaces Opoku-Fordjour.
01:21 AM BST
64 mins: USA 0 England 33
England are on the march again, attacking once more inside the US 22. C Atkinson puts Baxter through a gap but the ball goes to ground and the hosts drop on the loose ball.
01:20 AM BST
63 mins: USA 0 England 33
That conversion is Ford’s last act of the day as he comes off to be replaced by C Atkinson, who makes his England debut.
01:18 AM BST
TRY! Randall finishes off sublime England move
England have played some terrific attacking rugby this summer and that is a perfect example. It starts on halfway as a superb Curry offload inside Feyi-Waboso racing into the US half. Curry did brilliantly to suck in a few defenders and that sent Feyi-Waboso into the gap. As he approaches the 22, he passes to his right to find Randall, who cuts back inside and scores. Ford gets the conversion and England lead by 33 points.
01:16 AM BST
61 mins: USA 0 England 26
As we have the cooling break in this second half, Beard is brought on for his debut, replacing his Harlequins teammate Northmore.
01:13 AM BST
58 mins: USA 0 England 26
England are awarded a penalty just outside the US 22 as the hosts’ captain Bonasso tackles a man without the ball. Ford sends the kick into the corner.
However the opportunity is wasted by Langdon as he dummies, not deliberately, the throw but that is an obvious free-kick.
01:10 AM BST
56 mins: USA 0 England 26
England are in possession inside the US 22 and Ford pulls out the crossfield kick. It is a straight contest between Feyi-Waboso and Fricker in the air, with the latter doing enough to out off the former and it comes off the former into touch.
01:09 AM BST
55 mins: USA 0 England 26
The weather has finally settled down, but England continue to search in vain for their rhythm. Ford is prodding and probing, Northmore and Ojomoh running some nice lines, but it’s clunky. There are mitigating factors of course, but they will be mad with themselves if they don’t at least pass 40 points.
01:08 AM BST
54 mins: USA 0 England 26
England make a change at scrum-half as Randall replaces van Poortvliet.
01:05 AM BST
51 mins: USA 0 England 26
Two changes for England, both in the pack, as Baxter and Curry replace Rodd and Dombrandt.
01:04 AM BST
50 mins: USA 0 England 26
England are attacking inside the US 22 and Ford puts a chip kick in behind. de Haas does really well to gather up the ball and then puts in a big clearing kick.
01:02 AM BST
49 mins: USA 0 England 26
After stealing possession on halfway, the US break down the left and make good ground towards the England 22 but great play by Pepper at the breakdown stunts the US momentum, winning England a penalty.
01:01 AM BST
47 mins: USA 0 England 26
The USA have a scrum just outside the England 22 but the visitors dominate the US scrum, winning a penalty against the feed.
12:58 AM BST
45 mins: USA 0 England 26
The USA are attacking on the fringes of the England 22 but the ball is knocked forward.
12:55 AM BST
TRY! Van Poortvliet gives England perfect start to second half
Exactly the start after the break Steve Borthwick would have wanted. England come down their right and, after a few well-timed offloads out the back, Northmore is put through a gap. He races into the USA 22 and calmly offloads inside to van Poortvliet, who goes over for England’s fourth try. Ford nails the conversion.
12:53 AM BST
Second half
We are back under way in Washington DC and hopefully the inclement weather is now well and truly behind us. As the players were coming back out, they have to come up some stairs and Guy Pepper has a moment he would rather forget as he had a slight stumble. He will hope that was not picked up but it was!
12:51 AM BST
HT entertainment
Despite the delays, the crowd in Washington DC is still feeling upbeat and have been treated to the customary rendition at a sporting event of Sweet Caroline. Then another popular hit, The Killers’ Mr Brightside is belted out.
12:41 AM BST
Rugby action over the last 24 hours
New Zealand 29-19 France
Australia 19-27 British and Irish Lions
South Africa 55-10 Georgia
Argentina 52-17 Uruguay
USA 0-19 England
12:38 AM BST
Half time
That is the final act of the first half and England lead by 19 at the break. By my calculations that first half ended nearly two hours after it was originally supposed to.
12:38 AM BST
TRY! Murley gets England’s third
England come down the left and Murley steps back inside to beat numerous US defenders and he goes over. Ford’s conversion misses to the right.
12:37 AM BST
40 mins: USA 0 England 14
From a scrum just inside the US half, England work it brilliantly first phase all the way into the US 22 through Carpenter after a series of clever offloads. England are attacking deep in the 22 with the clock in the red...
12:34 AM BST
38 mins: USA 0 England 14
England spill the lineout and the US clear their lines.
12:30 AM BST
NO TRY! Carpenter denied on debut
A great moment for the Sale full-back on debut or so he thought. With a penalty advantage in hand, Ford finds Murley with a crossfield kick just inside the US half. Murley then puts a grubber kick through into the US 22 and the hosts make a mess of gathering the loose ball. Carpenter takes advantage, picking up and scoring in the corner.
However, the TMO is taking a look to see if Murley knocked on on the floor as a mass of bodies tried to gather the Murley grubber kick. They deem it to have been knocked on by Murley so the try is disallowed. We go back for the penalty and Ford sends England into the US 22.
Another England try chalked off by the TMO, this a knock-on by Cadan Murley denying Joe Carpenter a score on debut.
It’s a daft thought I know but at this stage can we, please, not just play through half-time.
12:26 AM BST
33 mins: USA 0 England 14
The sun has now broken out in Washington DC. Hopefully there is no more risk of lightning but let’s not jinx it!
12:24 AM BST
32 mins: USA 0 England 14
England are attacking inside the USA 22 and get closer to the line but Dombrandt knocks on just five metres out from the line. Dombrandt does limp away after getting up but is fine to continue.
12:23 AM BST
30 mins: USA 0 England 14
The USA stop the England maul, forcing the visitors to move the ball into the hands of the backs but they knock on, allowing the hosts to clear.
12:22 AM BST
29 mins: USA 0 England 14
USA have a scrum to restart play but England’s scrum dominates and they are awarded the penalty. Ford pumps it into the corner.
12:21 AM BST
Ready to resume
Both sides have gone through their warm-ups once more and we are ready to get back under way, just under half an hour into the game.
12:11 AM BST
Restart time
Good news! The match will restart in around 10 minutes at 12.21am BST (7.21pm on the east coast of America). We will resume just over 28 minutes into the game.
The match will restart at 00.21 BST.#USAvENG
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) July 19, 2025
12:09 AM BST
Telegraph Rugby Podcast
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Follow the Rugby Podcast Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
12:02 AM BST
Get your fix
11:50 PM BST
Update
Okay, so here’s what’s happening. There was a lightning strike within 10 miles at 23.40 (BST). That means a mandatory half hour delay.
If there are no further strikes the players then return and have a minimum warm-up period of 12 minutes. If all goes to plan we will restart at 00.22.
11:42 PM BST
Play halted
Oh dear! Lightning has been spotted in the area, so the referee calls a half to play and that means we immediately head into the dressing rooms due to the inclement weather.
We’re off again here. Thirty one minutes played when the weather alert flashed up on the big screen to a groan from the 15,000-plus crowd.
The players leave the field to rumbles of thunder.
Due to lightning strikes in the vicinity of Audi Field in Washington DC, players have been removed from the field of play.#USAvENG
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) July 19, 2025
11:38 PM BST
NO TRY! Dombrandt’s effort ruled out
Just shows how beneficial it is to put the kick deep into the corner. Langdon finds Coles and England set the maul. Dombrandt decides he does not need to stay in the maul as he breaks away and scores.
However the TMO is stepping in to check a potential obstruction. After a review, the officials decide there is an obstruction and the try is chalked off.
11:37 PM BST
27 mins: USA 0 England 14
England’s scrum dominates on their own 10-metre line, winning a penalty and Ford takes the visitors deep into the USA 22 with a brilliant kick. Five-metre lineout incoming for England...
11:31 PM BST
22 mins: USA 0 England 14
The USA are so close to the England line and end up being held up over the line. England’s defence was fantastic in Argentina over the last few weeks, especially in the first half of the first Test when England held Argentina up over the line a few times.
Time for a drinks/ cooling break.
11:30 PM BST
21 mins: USA 0 England 14
The USA have another penalty as England are pinged for hands in the ruck. A US five-metre lineout incoming...
11:29 PM BST
20 mins: USA 0 England 14
The USA are awarded a penalty just inside the England half as Ojomoh is penalised for a neck roll. Hilsenbeck is back on after his yellow card and takes the USA into the England 22.
11:26 PM BST
TRY! Northmore extends England’s lead
England have a penalty advantage from the scrum but they do not need it. The ball is shifted into the hands of the backs and Ojomoh, on debut, puts Northmore straight through a gap to score. It is an easy conversion for Ford and England’s lead is up to 14 points.
11:26 PM BST
17 mins: USA 0 England 7
What a stunning few moments that was. Northmore secures a turnover for England on their 10-metre line and Ford spots space in behind, kicking the ball downfield. Feyi-Waboso is charging towards the ball but Pittman gets to it first right on his line. He is brought to the ground by Feyi-Waboso and tries an offload to Fricker that goes forward. Van Poortvliet gathers the loose ball and looks destined to score but is held up by Fricker. England will have a scrum as the ball went forward.
11:21 PM BST
13 mins: USA 0 England 7
Carpenter takes a quick lineout inside his own half to Ford, who then passes back to his Sale teammate. Carpenter takes England into the USA half and then offloads inside to Feyi-Waboso. The ball however ends up going forward moments later and the chance is gone for England.
11:19 PM BST
TRY! Langdon rolls over for first score of the game
England are on the board. They get the maul rolling towards the US line and there is no stopping the visitors. Langdon is the man to dot down at the back of the maul. Ford nails the conversion and England lead by seven.
A strong start from the US spoilt by a yellow card to fly-half Chris Hilsenbeck for a deliberate knock-on. England take full advantage. Arthur Clark takes the lineout, Curtis Langdon is driven over. The skies are a serious shade of the darkest grey. But England are off the mark.
11:19 PM BST
11 mins: USA 0 England 0
England win the lineout and set the maul. Schultz illegally brings down the maul and Enland go back to the corner...
11:18 PM BST
10 mins: USA 0 England 0
England finally manage to have some possession and come down their right inside the USA half. Hilsenbeck decides to stick out his arm and it is a clear deliberate knock-on so he is sent to the bin. Into the USA 22 England go.
11:15 PM BST
8 mins: USA 0 England 0
Clark, on his England debut, comes up with a big steal for the visitors, who are then able to clear.
11:14 PM BST
7 mins: USA 0 England 0
England are penalised on their 10-metre line as Coles’ tackle on Geiger was high. Hilsenbeck kicks into the England 22. The hosts win the lineout and set the maul before being awarded a penalty as England brought down the maul illegally. Back to the corner the USA go.
11:12 PM BST
4 mins: USA 0 England 0
From inside their own half, Ford picks out Feyi-Waboso with a crossfield kick and the Exeter winger takes England into the USA half. However van Poortvliet’s pass from the base of the ruck goes forward. This is just Feyi-Waboso’s second game of 2025 after a shoulder injury and a red card in an England XV game against France XV last month, which led to him being banned for the two Argentina Tests.
11:10 PM BST
2 mins: USA 0 England 0
The hosts are without Bristol Bears fly-half MacGinty today, who is out with an upper-body injury.
11:07 PM BST
Kick-off
We are under way in Washington DC as the hosts get us going.
11:00 PM BST
Anthem time
Both sides emerge onto the pitch and we are ready for the national anthems. “God Save The King” followed by “The Star Spangled Banner”.
There is still plenty of threatening weather around but hopefully it stays away.
10:56 PM BST
A reminder of the teams
USA starting XV: 15 Erich Storti, 14 Rufus McLean, 13 Dominic Besag, 12 Tom Pittman, 11 Toby Fricker, 10 Chris Hilsenbeck, 9 Ruben de Haas, 1 Ezekiel Lindenmuth, 2 Kaleb Geiger, 3 Pono Davis, 4 Marno Redelinghuys, 5 Tevita Naqali, 6 Benjamin Bonasso, 7 Cory Daniel, 8 Jamason Fa’anana Schultz.
Replacements: 16 Shilo Klein, 17 Jack Iscaro, 18 Tonga Kofe, 19 Viliami Helu, 20 Christian Poidevin, 21 Makeen Alikhan, 22 JP Smith, 23 Lauina Futi.
England starting XV: 15 Joe Carpenter, 14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 13 Luke Northmore, 12 Max Ojomoh, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 George Ford, 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 1 Bevan Rodd, 2 Curtis Langdon, 3 Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 4 Alex Coles, 5 Arthur Clark, 6 Chandler Cunningham-South, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Alex Dombrandt.
Replacements: 16 Gabriel Oghre, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Ted Hill, 20 Ben Curry, 21 Harry Randall, 22 Charlie Atkinson, 23 Oscar Beard.
10:50 PM BST
New kick-off time
Kick off between the USA and England is now expected to be 11.05pm BST.#USAvENG
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) July 19, 2025
10:42 PM BST
Positive update
England and USA players back on pitch. Kick off 30 mins from now - as long as no further lightning
10:34 PM BST
Today’s games
Plenty of action in the rugby world today:
New Zealand 29-19 France
Australia 19-27 British and Irish Lions
South Africa 55-10 Georgia
Argentina 52-17 Uruguay
10:31 PM BST
Have your say
England were very impressive in their 2-0 series victory over Argentina over the last two weeks. Plenty of impressive performances from a number of players and, when you consider Steve Borthwick is without well into double digits of players on the Lions tour, it demonstrates the strength in depth England possess. What has impressed you most about England this summer? Who has impressed you the most? Remember you can have your say in the comments section at the bottom of the blog.
10:19 PM BST
Lengthy delay in store?
With fans evacuated from the stands here at Audi Field and urged to take shelter in the concourse, organisers confirmed the game would not kick off before 11.05pm.
10:18 PM BST
At least a 30-minute delay
The USA v England game at Audi Field, Washington DC, has been delayed for at least 30 minutes due to weather.#USAvENGpic.twitter.com/DSc4nFbTLU
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) July 19, 2025
10:14 PM BST
Charles Richardson: The 21 things I learnt covering England’s tour of Argentina
After 16 days, two provinces and three cities, the Argentinian voyage comes to an end. An under-strength England have defeated Argentina in both Tests – in La Plata and San Juan – extending their unbeaten run over Los Pumas on their own patch since the 2009 loss in Salta.
It was my first time in Argentina, a country famed for the passion of its people and the heartiness of its food and drink. Experiencing this country, as well as following England’s movements – not to mention, success – in it, was a privilege. Here is what I learnt, both on and off the rugby field, from an unforgettable trip.
10:05 PM BST
Get your fix
09:56 PM BST
Kick-off delayed
Unfortunately we will not be getting under way at 10.05pm BST due to weather. We will keep you updated on any developments.
Match Update
— USA Rugby (@USARugby) July 19, 2025
Weather delay ahead of the USA Men vs England match.
New Kick off time will be shared shortly.
09:48 PM BST
England have unearthed seven Test match animals in Argentina
Before travelling to Argentina, as well as his traditional trick of claiming the underdog tag, Steve Borthwick urged players to seize the mantle and announce themselves as “Test match animals”.
A few weeks later, as he reflects on a 2-0 series triumph, the England head coach will be delighted with the response. Yes, the hosts rested players and were pretty underwhelming. But a pair of compelling wins have provided immense encouragement.
The second Test in San Juan represented an exercise in problem-solving. Deprived of Jamie George just hours before kick-off, the England line-out was disrupted. They suffered moments of misfortune, such as an Ignacio Mendy try from a ricochet off the post. The breakdown was a mess and the visitors will feel as though they could have had more favourable refereeing decisions.
And yet, England prevailed thanks to a last-gasp try from Jack van Poortvliet. It is worth highlighting George Ford as the consummate string-puller. Sam Underhill was also close to his menacing best. And, given his comments prior to departure, Borthwick will revel in the emergence of seven relatively inexperienced internationals who can now press for involvement at the 2027 World Cup.
09:44 PM BST
Telegraph Rugby Podcast
Go beyond the back pages and join the Telegraph’s rugby experts and big name guests as they tackle the game’s most interesting trends, themes and talking points. Our unrivalled rugby coverage, now available on the move!
Follow the Rugby Podcast Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
09:39 PM BST
Last five games
USA:
USA 20-31 Spain
USA 36-17 Belgium
Spain 23-26 USA
USA 36-17 Tonga
Portugal 17-21 USA
England:
Argentina 17-22 England
Argentina 12-35 England
Wales 14-68 England
England 47-24 Italy
England 16-15 Scotland
09:33 PM BST
Recent meetings between the nations
2021: England 43-29 USA
2019: England 45-7 USA
2007: England 28-10 USA
2001: USA 19-48 England
1999: England 106-8 USA
09:26 PM BST
A reminder of the two teams
USA starting XV: 15 Erich Storti, 14 Rufus McLean, 13 Dominic Besag, 12 Tom Pittman, 11 Toby Fricker, 10 Chris Hilsenbeck, 9 Ruben de Haas, 1 Ezekiel Lindenmuth, 2 Kaleb Geiger, 3 Pono Davis, 4 Marno Redelinghuys, 5 Tevita Naqali, 6 Benjamin Bonasso, 7 Cory Daniel, 8 Jamason Fa’anana Schultz.
Replacements: 16 Shilo Klein, 17 Jack Iscaro, 18 Tonga Kofe, 19 Viliami Helu, 20 Christian Poidevin, 21 Makeen Alikhan, 22 JP Smith, 23 Lauina Futi.
England starting XV: 15 Joe Carpenter, 14 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 13 Luke Northmore, 12 Max Ojomoh, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 George Ford, 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 1 Bevan Rodd, 2 Curtis Langdon, 3 Asher Opoku-Fordjour, 4 Alex Coles, 5 Arthur Clark, 6 Chandler Cunningham-South, 7 Guy Pepper, 8 Alex Dombrandt.
Replacements: 16 Gabriel Oghre, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Trevor Davison, 19 Ted Hill, 20 Ben Curry, 21 Harry Randall, 22 Charlie Atkinson, 23 Oscar Beard.
09:21 PM BST
Ilona Maher inspires USA to victory
Ahead of the England game, Ilona Maher, the biggest star of women’s rugby, helped the United States beat Fiji 31-24 in their final outing on home soil ahead of the upcoming Rugby World Cup.
USA, who open the tournament against hosts England in Sunderland on August 22, edged the islanders by five tries to three in stifling conditions.
Maher, the most followed rugby player on social media, contributed a number of crunching tackles before Leicester wing Emily Henrich grabbed the winning try.
09:17 PM BST
England looking to sign off summer tour in style
England have travelled to Audi Field in Washington DC to take on the USA in their final game of the summer tour. Steve Borthwick’s men come into tonight’s game off the back of a 2-0 series win over Argentina; a 12-35 victory in the first Test in La Plata was followed by a 17-22 win in San Juan. The victories in La Plata and San Juan mean that England have won six games in a row, dating back to their defeat to Ireland in the opening round of the Six Nations earlier this year. England head coach Borthwick is looking forward to tonight’s match.
“We know the USA will present a tough challenge. There has been a great spirit in the squad throughout this tour. The players have worked hard for each other and pushed standards every day. Those selected this weekend have earned their chance through their effort and attitude. We aim to keep building the squad, learn from every experience, and deliver a performance that our supporters can be proud of.”
There are three uncapped players named in the England starting XV; Bath centre Max Ojomoh, Sale full-back Joe Carpenter and Gloucester lock Arthur Clark. With Jamie George called up to the British and Irish Lions tour and Theo Dan picking up a knee injury in the second Test victory over Argentina, Borthwick has been forced to call up replacements. Gabriel Oghre and Jamie Blamire have linked up with the squad in the USA, with Oghre being named on the bench and will make his debut.
The USA are down in 16th in the world rankings, following a 31-20 home loss to Spain. Their head coach is Scott Lawrence, who replaced former Bath and Worcester director of rugby Gary Gold. One of Lawrence’s assistant coaches is former England number eight Nick Easter, who is in charge of their forwards and defence. There is no Bristol Bears fly-half AJ MacGinty in the USA side today.
Today’s match is the first time in over two decades that England will face the USA on American soil. Back in 2001 England won 19-48 in San Francisco under the leadership of Sir Clive Woodward, a side that included current head coach Borthwick. The sides last met during the 2021 summer series, with England winning 43-29 at Allianz Stadium. England have never lost in seven meetings with the USA.
Kick-off from Washington DC is at 10.05pm BST.
Category: General Sports
