**England Prepare for Stern Test as Summer Tour Kicks Off Against Formidable Argentina Side**
England’s rugby union squad will embark on the first leg of their summer tour this evening, facing a resurgent Argentina team in La Plata as part of a demanding three-match itinerary. Steve Borthwick, the England head coach, is navigating the challenge with a significantly reshuffled squad, as numerous senior players are either injured or unavailable due to British & Irish Lions commitments.
With twelve players currently with the Lions and key figures such as Owen Farrell also ruled out for this clash, Borthwick has opted for a blend of youth and experience. England’s touring party is undoubtedly experimental, offering several uncapped talents their first taste of international rugby on foreign soil — a move that could prove vital as the team looks to build depth ahead of future competitions.
The English squad enter this fixture seeking redemption following a narrow 26-24 defeat to a France XV in last month’s uncapped warm-up match at Twickenham. That encounter, despite ending in disappointment, provided valuable game time for emerging prospects and highlighted areas that Borthwick will be eager to address before facing the formidable Pumas.
Argentina, meanwhile, are enjoying a purple patch of form, recently securing the 1888 Cup with a thrilling 28-24 victory over the Lions in Dublin. Currently ranked fifth in the world — one spot above England — the South American side have further reinforced their credentials with victories over rugby powerhouses South Africa, New Zealand, France and Australia in 2024. Head coach Felipe Contepomi will be looking for another statement win on home turf, as his side continues to develop strength in depth.
Kick-off for tonight’s Test is scheduled for 3:40pm local time (8:40pm in the UK), with the match taking place at the Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi in La Plata. UK viewers can watch the game live on Sky Sports Action, with coverage commencing at 7:40pm BST. Fans who prefer online streaming can access the fixture through the Sky Go app or via a NOW Sports subscription.
On the team sheet, George Ford and Jamie George retain their co-captaincy roles. Ford is poised to make his 100th appearance for England, an achievement made all the more significant given the current transitional phase. Gloucester’s Seb Atkinson and Bath winger Will Muir both receive their first international starts, while Guy Pepper is set to debut off the bench. Notable absentees from this tour include Maro Itoje, Marcus Smith, Alex Mitchell and Tom Curry, who are all away with the Lions, and Elliot Daly, sidelined after a fractured forearm.
The Pumas are led by Leicester Tigers’ Julian Montoya and are expected to be at near full strength. Their recent win over the Lions was achieved without several of their top players, indicating the formidable depth at Contepomi’s disposal.
England’s starting fifteen features both familiar faces and a host of new blood, including Freddie Steward, Henry Slade and the promising debutants Muir and Atkinson. The bench offers further intrigue, with the likes of Guy Pepper and Cadan Murley hoping to seize this opportunity and stake their claim for regular selection.
In charge of officiating duties will be Australian referee Angus Gardner, assisted by Luc Ramos of France and Gianluca Gnecchi from Italy. Irish official Olly Hodges will be the Television Match Official, while Mike Adamson from Scotland is set to oversee protocols as FPRO.
Bookmakers are tipping Argentina as favourites for the match, with current odds placing the Pumas at 1/3 to win, England at 13/5, and a draw offered at 22/1. These odds reflect the recent form of both teams and the challenge facing Borthwick’s relatively inexperienced line-up.
Tonight’s clash marks not just the beginning of a tough series for England, but also an opportunity for players on both sides to make their mark. As both squads look towards World Cup cycles and future major tournaments, every performance holds added significance. Rugby fans in the UK will no doubt be tuning in keenly, eager to see whether England’s next generation can rise to the occasion against one of the world’s most in-form teams.