Ellis Genge couldn’t resist taking a cheeky swipe as England’s rugby stars did what their footballing equivalents couldn’t by beating Argentina this weekend.
Just three days after Thomas Tuchel’s England side were eliminated by Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, Steve Borthwick’s men set out to exact revenge and defeat the Pumas in the inaugural Nations Championship.
Tommy Freeman crossed over after only three minutes to get England off to a dream start in Santiago del Estero, before a pair of converted tries from Ben Earl increased the visitors’ advantage.
Wearing replica shirts inspired by Diego Maradona’s iconic 1986 kit, Argentina stormed back after the restart, reducing the deficit through through Mateo Carreras’ score and a penalty try that saw England reduced to 13 men.
But Marcus Smith and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso touched down in quick succession to silence the home crowd again, putting to bed an absorbing contest at Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades, before Justo Piccardo grabbed a late consolation for Argentina.
The result leaves England third in the Northern Hemisphere table at the end of a gruelling summer schedule, two points adrift of leaders France. Argentina, meanwhile, sit fourth in the Southern Hemisphere table with one win and two losses to their name.
Before the match had even kicked off, Henry Pollock had caused controversy after he was filmed making dismissive gestures from England’s team coach towards Argentina fans on the streets of Buenos Aires.
And the intense rivalry did not let up during Saturday’s encounter, with eagle-eyed viewers spotting Genge joining in the fun with an Enzo Fernandez-inspired celebration after Earl crossed over to make it 17-3.
The Bristol loosehead prop was seen cupping his ears in the direction of Argentina supporters behind the posts, just as Fernandez had done following his equaliser in England’s semi-final defeat on Wednesday.
Fernandez will no doubt be hoping bring out his trademark celebration again this evening when Argentina lock horns with Spain in the World Cup final.
Facing the media shortly after the final whistle, Argentina head coach Felipe Contepomi accused England’s players of ‘lacking respect’ before storming out of his post-match press conference.
An under-pressure Borthwick, meanwhile, hit out at what he described as a ‘negativity committee’ after he was questioned about his side’s disciplinary issues.
It comes after England picked up a 14th yellow card in the space of just eight Test matches.
‘I don’t think now is the time to be digging into that,’ the England boss told reporters.
‘This team has done really, really well. It was a tough Test match, a fantastic Test match, we scored some wonderful tries and as ever you guys concentrate on the negativity.
‘You’re like the negativity committee so it’s lovely coming and talking to you again.’
Borthwick heaped praise on his players, highlighting the sense of ‘togetherness’ and ‘connection’ within the squad.
He continued: ‘I’m delighted for the players. They showed incredible spirit, led brilliantly by Jamie George
‘Matches between England and Argentina, whatever the sport, seem to end up being very tight late on and full of drama.
‘It’s almost unfair to pull out one example but Henry Slade’s tackle at the end was incredible.
‘It shows the fight that’s in this group of players, as well as their togetherness and connection.
‘Right now these players deserve a fantastic holiday, a good night out and a good rest.
‘They’ve worked hard and it’s been a season that’s been going a while.
‘We all know about the number of minutes the English players play and these guys have stuck it right to the very end.’
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