Why the Red Rose Tour Has Us Buzzing
Red Rose Resurgence: Why England's July Tour Has Everyone Buzzing for Autumn and the Six Nations!
July 2025 has been nothing short of electrifying for England Rugby. As the dust settles on a highly successful tour of the Americas, the excitement for the Autumn Internationals and next year's Six Nations is palpable across the nation. It's a feeling of genuine optimism, a belief that something special is truly brewing under the astute leadership of Head Coach Steve Borthwick.
England embarked on a challenging three-Test tour, featuring two intense clashes against a formidable Argentina side, followed by a final Test against the USA Eagles in Washington DC. Preceding this, a warm-up against a France XV at Twickenham, despite being a narrow loss, served as a crucial and valuable stepping stone, allowing Borthwick to test combinations and build match fitness ahead of the demanding tour schedule.
The undisputed highlight of the tour was the commanding 2-0 series victory over Argentina. The Pumas, always a tough proposition, especially on their home soil, were met with a resilient, evolving, and impressively composed England side. The first Test in Buenos Aires saw England deliver a commanding 35-12 win. This was a particularly poignant occasion for veteran fly-half George Ford, who marked his 100th cap with a stellar kicking performance, expertly guiding his team around the field and dictating play with precision.
The second Test in San Juan was a much tighter affair, a true Test match ending 22-17. This encounter truly showcased England's grit, determination, and newfound ability to close out tight games under immense pressure. England struck early, with centre Seb Atkinson scoring his first international try after just four minutes. This opening score was a testament to England's attacking intent, set up by a clever cross-field kick from Ford and smart offloads from Tom Roebuck and debutant Luke Northmore. Ford added the extras for a 0-7 lead. Argentina responded quickly through a Santiago Carreras penalty, but England's defensive line speed forced several turnovers, effectively stalling the Pumas' momentum. Even with Ben Curry sent to the sin bin after 20 minutes for a high challenge, England defended bravely, showcasing their resilience when a man down.
Argentina did eventually take a 10-7 lead through a converted try, but England hit back just before half-time. A well-worked attacking scrum saw the ball moved wide to full-back Freddie Steward, who crossed the whitewash for his second try in as many matches, restoring England's lead. However, Argentina snatched it back just before the break, going into halftime 17-14 up after a fortunate bounce from a chip kick that wrong-footed Steward behind the posts, allowing Ignacio Mendy to pounce.
England came out firing in the second half, relentlessly pressing the Argentinian defence, who initially held firm. The introduction of Curtis Langdon after Theo Dan's injury further solidified the front row, demonstrating the depth Borthwick is building. Sustained attacking pressure eventually earned England a penalty, and Ford slotted the crucial three points to level the scores at 17-17 on 52 minutes. Argentina were then reduced to 14 men when Pablo Matera was sin-binned for infringing at the maul, giving England a crucial numerical advantage.
England's attack continued to press. Substitute Guy Pepper made an impressive break through the middle but was brought down by a tap tackle from winger Matias Moroni. Ford nudged a kick into the corner, but Argentina secured the lineout and cleared. A few phases later, England looked to have scored after Jack van Poortvliet scooped up a loose ball and dotted down in the corner, but the try was ruled out for a knock-on just before. However, van Poortvliet did get his well-deserved score in the final minutes, sealing the 17-22 victory. Pepper again proved influential, finding a hole in the Argentinian defence and beating two defenders before finding van Poortvliet on the inside, who ran over to give his side the series win.
This ability to absorb pressure, defend resolutely, and deliver when it matters most speaks volumes about the team's growing maturity and tactical intelligence. George Ford's post-match reaction – "We found a way in the end. We had a lot of opportunities in the 22 but couldn't get over the line, I'm proud of the boys. I like our fight, our togetherness, showing how much we care. There was some great stuff, we should have scored more tries but the attitude of the group is great" – perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this evolving England side. England now head to Washington to take on the United States on 19 July, on the final stop of the tour.
What's really got the passionate England fans talking, however, is the astute blend of seasoned experience and exhilarating fresh talent that Borthwick has meticulously introduced into the squad. While established leaders and consistent performers like Jamie George and George Ford continue to lead from the front, this tour has provided an invaluable opportunity for a host of uncapped or less experienced players to prove their immense talent and step up to the international arena. The impactful debuts and significant contributions from players such as Luke Northmore, Seb Atkinson, Tom Roebuck, Will Muir, Curtis Langdon, and Guy Pepper have injected a vibrant new energy and fierce competition into the squad. This strategic focus on developing depth and providing international exposure, especially with several key figures on British & Irish Lions duty, has proven to be a stroke of genius. It means that when the highly anticipated Autumn Internationals roll around, Borthwick will have a stronger, more versatile, and deeper squad to choose from, providing critical mitigation against potential injuries or player fatigue.
England's July Tour: A Springboard for Autumn Internationals 2025
The success of England's July tour has directly set the stage for a highly anticipated Autumn Nations Series 2025. The competitive wins and the effective blooding of new talent mean that when powerhouse teams like Australia (November 1st), Fiji (November 8th), New Zealand (November 15th), and Argentina (November 23rd) arrive at Twickenham, England will be more prepared and confident than ever. This summer's tough encounters have built significant resilience, and the enhanced squad depth developed will be absolutely crucial for navigating the demanding autumn schedule. The prospect of taking on the mighty All Blacks and the ever-formidable Wallabies, along with a Fijian side known for their electrifying flair and an Argentinian team undoubtedly looking for revenge, is incredibly exciting for both players and fans alike. These matches will be a true test of England's progress and a vital benchmark as they meticulously build towards the 2026 Six Nations.
Building Momentum: From July Victories to Six Nations 2026 Glory
The Six Nations 2026 championship is now firmly on the horizon, and England's impressive July performances provide a fantastic launchpad. The ability to grind out crucial wins against a formidable Argentina, coupled with the invaluable exposure given to emerging stars like Seb Atkinson and Jack van Poortvliet's late heroics, strongly suggests a team with growing cohesion, tactical nous, and unwavering confidence. This tour wasn't just about immediate results; it was about meticulously laying the groundwork for a truly competitive Six Nations campaign next year, with the genuine ambition of contending for the prestigious title. The themes emerging from this July tour are clear: a renewed attacking impetus, a resolute and well-drilled defensive system, and a palpable, growing confidence within the squad. Fans are eager to see how these developments translate against top-tier Southern Hemisphere opposition. The performances against Argentina have given everyone a compelling taste of what this England team is capable of, and the anticipation for more thrilling, high-quality rugby is at an all-time high.
So, as we edge closer to autumn, the buzz around England Rugby is undeniably infectious. This July has laid a remarkably strong foundation, and the Red Rose faithful simply cannot wait to see their team continue to bloom.
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