England discipline ‘verging on comical’ after four yellow cards in Argentina win
10 reported
Former scrum-half Matt Dawson described England's discipline as "verging on comical" after four players received yellow cards in the second half of their 31-24 win over Argentina in Santiago del Estero. England were twice reduced to 13 players, including in the final three minutes, as Argentina attempted to overturn a 14-point deficit. The hosts were denied a chance to level the match when Bautista Delguy's 83rd-minute try was controversially ruled out after the television match official determined Henry Slade's tackle had forced the wing into touch. England have received 14 yellow cards and one red card in eight matches in 2026, with only one game without a sin-binning. Head coach Steve Borthwick defended his team, calling questions about discipline a focus on "negativity" and praising their "incredible spirit." Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi accused England of showing a "lack of respect" after music and cheering from England's changing room disrupted his post-match news conference.
What’s reported
England beat Argentina 31-24 in Santiago del Estero.
Four England players were yellow-carded in the second half: Jack van Poortvliet (deliberate knock-on, 51 min), Alex Coles (deliberate knock-on, penalty try, 55 min), Henry Pollock (offside, 74 min), Emmanuel Iyogun (offside, "cynical" per referee, 77 min).
Argentina had three players yellow-carded.
England gave away 14 penalties to Argentina's six.
England have received 14 yellows and one red in eight matches in 2026.
The win moves England to third in the Northern Hemisphere standings in the 2026 Nations Championship.
Former England wing Chris Ashton said teams will exploit England's "stupid errors."
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso said discipline is "a huge thing" and "too many" cards.
Borthwick said the players deserve a "fantastic holiday" and praised Henry Slade's tackle.
Contepomi walked out of his news conference after complaining about noise from England's changing room.
Key figures
Matt Dawson, former scrum-half
Steve Borthwick, England head coach
Chris Ashton, former England wing
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, England player
Henry Slade, England player
Felipe Contepomi, Argentina head coach
Jack van Poortvliet, England player
Alex Coles, England player
Henry Pollock, England player
Emmanuel Iyogun, England player
Bautista Delguy, Argentina wing
Angus Gardner, referee
Sources: BBC News
