The last thing this sometimes bonkers, always scrappy contest for third place needed was extra time but when Argentina’s Nicolás Sánchez lined up a shot at goal with the clock running down, another 20 minutes in a match that ostensibly does not matter loomed large. As it was, Sánchez missed the kick, England survived a couple of scrums eerily close on the field to that which cost them dearly against South Africa last week and ultimately finish their World Cup as they started it – with a hard-fought win against Argentina.
These exhausted players who began preparing for the competition in June were spared the extra mile and though it was a victory that exposed England’s limitations, it was a victory nonetheless. And one that comes at the end of a difficult week given the furore surrounding Tom Curry, who enjoyed a fine 50 minutes before making way, visibly drained but head held high.
