England's two games against Argentina have been a massive success and have continued the positive turn-around that has taken place in 2025. From established stars running the show to new players taking their opportunities, this summer has changed some crucial things within this side. Many players will have forced Steve Borthwick to readjust his plans for the autumn and have shown that they are, as Eddie Jones would say, "test-match animals". Here are some of the biggest winners from the tour so far with one game against the USA to come.
Steve Borthwick has to be one of the biggest winners.from these games - he has spent a significant part of his time as England boss under considerable pressure and these games have given him some legitimate breathing room in the job. Argentina have become one of the best sides in the world and seem to be perennial semi-finalists at World Cups and provided stiff opposition. Despite this, England won the first test easily and squeaked a win in the second. Borthwick looks to be developing a strong squad with good depth and a defined playing style which sets England in good stead for the World Cup,
Tom Willis is one of the "test-match animals" I was referring to in my first paragraph. He has brought a presence to England's pack that has been missing since the days of Billy Vunipola and was the best player on this tour. Willis is one of those players who will make metres every time he touches the ball and will always run over at least one defender. This sets up an intriguing selection decision for Steve Borthwick when Ben Earl returns from the Lions Tour. Henry Pollock is also a factor in this position but surely Tom Willis has cemented his spot in the starting line-up. He'd definitely be in mine.
Joe Heyes has been around the England set up for a while without standing out and many wanted to see the younger options behind him get given game time this summer in his place. However, Borthwick stuck with him and it paid off massively. Heyes has been a crucial players for Leicester in recent years and brought his club for to South America for these games. He was dominant in set-pieces and never went missing in defence. His performances this summer were so good that he could actually start pushing Will Stuart for the number 3 shirt this autumn.
Tom Roebuck had already impressed for England in the Six Nations against Wales when he scored a try and dominated the skies but this tour provided greater exposure for him against (I'm sorry to say) much stronger opposition. The Sale winger was one of England's stars in both games and is essentially a cheat-code in attack. I say this because his ability in the air operates as a dangerous weapon that can be deployed whenever the attack begins to falter. Pairing his aerial ability with the kicking and vision of his fellow Shark, George Ford, creates a situation that no team is comfortable defending. He is a natural right winger so is behind Tommy Freeman but, considering the form of both players, surely Borthwick has to consider moving one so that both can start. A back three with those two flanking Freddie Steward would given England a unique attack that would challenge any defence in the world.
George Ford has been magnificent in these games and reminded everyone just how good he is on the day he won his 100th England cap by taking apart the Pumas defence with ease. This tour will hopefully remind England fans that the selection decisions at fly half don't just revolve around the Smiths.
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