The Daily Star Ireland
The rugby world is set for a thrilling clash as Argentina takes on England in the first of their two-Test series during the 2025 Summer Nations Series at Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi in La Plata on July 5, 2025, with a kick-off time of 9:40 PM local time (8:40 PM BST).
This match carries high stakes for both sides: Argentina, buoyed by their recent upset over the British & Irish Lions, aim to assert their growing dominance at home, while England, missing key players due to Lions commitments, look to prove their depth under Steve Borthwick’s leadership. With both teams eager to set the tone for their summer campaigns, this Argentina vs England prediction promises a battle of tactical nous and physicality.
Argentina Overview
Argentina, under head coach Felipe Contepomi, are riding a wave of confidence after their 28-24 victory over the British & Irish Lions in Dublin on June 20, 2025. Contepomi, a former Pumas fly-half, brings a cerebral approach, blending structured play with Argentina’s trademark passion. His philosophy emphasizes a robust forward platform, quick ball movement, and exploiting turnovers, which was evident in their ability to capitalize on the Lions’ errors.
Tactically, the Pumas rely on a physical pack to dominate set-pieces, particularly the scrum, where props like Thomas Gallo provide stability. Their attack hinges on fluid backline play, with fly-half Tomas Albornoz orchestrating and wings like Mateo Carreras exploiting gaps. Defensively, they press aggressively, aiming to force mistakes, as seen in their Lions win. Substitutions often bring fresh legs in the forwards to maintain intensity late in games.
Injury concerns are minimal, with no major absences reported. The main selection dilemma is whether Contepomi sticks with Albornoz at fly-half or recalls Santiago Carreras for his versatility. Argentina’s strength lies in their home crowd energy and set-piece dominance, but their weakness is occasional lapses in discipline, which England’s kicking game could exploit. Key matchups include Argentina’s back row against England’s youthful flankers, where physicality will be decisive.
England Overview
England, coached by Steve Borthwick, face a stern test without 13 players on British & Irish Lions duty, including captain Jamie George (though he’s available for this match). Borthwick, a former second-row, prioritizes a pragmatic, forward-driven game plan, focusing on set-piece solidity and territorial kicking. His philosophy leans on physicality at the breakdown and structured phase play to create scoring opportunities.
Tactically, England will rely on their scrum and lineout, with Jamie George and Alex Coles anchoring the set-piece. In attack, George Ford’s playmaking at fly-half will be crucial, supported by wingers like Tom Roebuck, who offer pace out wide. Defensively, England employ a blitz system, but their inexperience in the back row could be tested by Argentina’s dynamic loose forwards. Borthwick’s substitutions often introduce versatile forwards like Chandler Cunningham-South to shift momentum.
Injury news includes Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who is suspended for this match due to a two-game ban but available for later fixtures. The absence of Lions players like Maro Itoje creates selection challenges, with uncapped players like Afolabi Fasogbon in contention. England’s strength is their kicking accuracy and depth, but their youth in key positions could be a liability. The matchup to watch is Ford’s duel with Albornoz in dictating tempo.
Form Path Summary
Argentina’s path to this match has been impressive. Their shock win over the Lions in the 1888 Cup showcased their ability to upset top-tier teams, building on a strong 2024 where they defeated France, New Zealand, and South Africa. They’ve bypassed traditional regional qualifiers, entering the Summer Nations Series as a Tier 1 nation with momentum.
England, meanwhile, warmed up with an uncapped match against France XV on June 21, 2025, offering fringe players a chance to shine. Their 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign, where they reached the semi-finals, laid a foundation, but a recent 25-18 home loss to Argentina in 2006 (a rare historical defeat) underscores the challenge of facing the Pumas away. Their tour to Argentina and the USA is a chance to blood new talent.
Recent Form & Stats
Argentina
- Last 5 Matches: W-L-W-W-L
- Average Points Scored: 26.4
- Average Points Conceded: 20.8
- Momentum Rating: 8/10
Argentina’s form is strong, with the Lions victory highlighting their attacking flair, though a loss to South Africa earlier in 2024 exposed vulnerabilities in tight contests.
England
- Last 5 Matches: L-W-L-W-W
- Average Points Scored: 22.6
- Average Points Conceded: 21.2
- Momentum Rating: 6/10
England’s inconsistent form reflects their transitional squad, with wins over weaker sides but struggles against top opposition, as seen in their loss to Argentina in 2006.
The Pumas’ recent performances give them a slight edge, but England’s resilience on tour could make this closer than expected.
Key Players to Watch
Argentina
- Tomas Albornoz (Fly-half): His composure and kicking accuracy were pivotal against the Lions, and he’ll look to control the game’s tempo with precise distribution.
- Mateo Carreras (Wing): A dangerous finisher, Carreras’ speed and ability to exploit broken play could punish England’s defensive lapses.
- Thomas Gallo (Prop): Gallo’s scrummaging strength sets the platform for Argentina’s forward dominance, crucial in gaining penalties.
England
- George Ford (Fly-half, Co-captain): Ford’s experience and kicking game will be vital in managing territory and keeping Argentina pinned back.
- Sam Underhill (Flanker): Known for his relentless tackling, Underhill’s performance at the 2023 World Cup against Argentina showed his ability to disrupt at the breakdown.
- Tom Roebuck (Wing): The Sale Sharks winger’s pace and finishing could stretch Argentina’s defense if England secure quick ball.
What to Watch Live
This Argentina vs England preview highlights several tactical battles. Watch the midfield matchup, where Argentina’s physical centers will test England’s less experienced pairing. The breakdown will be fiercely contested, with Underhill and Argentina’s Pablo Matera vying for turnovers. Expect Argentina to push a high-tempo game, leveraging their home crowd, while England will slow the pace with structured phase play and Ford’s kicking.
If Argentina lead at halftime, they may double down on their running game, while England could introduce fresh forwards like Cunningham-South to regain physical parity. Conversely, if England are ahead, expect Borthwick to lean on territorial kicking to suffocate the Pumas’ attack.
Where to Watch Live
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN/Disney+ in Argentina. Streaming is available via RugbyPass TV for international viewers. Kick-off is at 9:40 PM local time (8:40 PM BST) on July 5, 2025, at Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi, La Plata.
Match Visual Suggestions
- Probable Lineups: Graphic showing Argentina’s Albornoz and England’s Ford as key playmakers.
- Head-to-Head Results: Infographic of past Argentina vs England encounters, highlighting Argentina’s 2006 win.
- Key Stat Graphics: Argentina’s scrum success rate (85% in 2024) vs England’s kicking accuracy (78% in recent Tests).
Betting Insight
- Match Winner: Argentina (1.80), England (2.10), Draw (21.00)
- Handicap: Argentina -4.5 (1.95), England +4.5 (1.85)
- Over/Under: Over 45.5 points (1.90), Under 45.5 points (1.90)
- First Try Scorer: Mateo Carreras (7.00), Tom Roebuck (9.00)
Argentina’s home advantage and recent form make them slight favorites, but England’s kicking game offers value on the handicap. The over/under line suggests a high-scoring game, given Argentina’s attacking flair and England’s counter-attacking potential. Carreras is a strong bet for first try, given his knack for early breaks.
Summer Nations Series betting tips favor Argentina to edge a close contest, with value in the -4.5 handicap.
Prediction
Argentina will win this opening Test, capitalizing on their home crowd and physical edge. Predicted score: Argentina 28-23 England. The tactical X-factor is Argentina’s scrum dominance, which could yield penalties to swing momentum.
This Argentina vs England prediction points to a fiercely contested match, with the Pumas’ recent form and home advantage proving just enough to secure victory in this Summer Nations Series preview.
Prediction: Argentina 28: 23 England.
