Is England v Argentina on TV? Channel, time and how to watch Rugby World Cup bronze final
The Rugby World Cup enters its final week with England and Argentina clashing for the second time in the tournament as the two losing semi-finalists go head-to-head in the bronze final to see which side will finish third for the 2023 competition.
They face each other on Friday night at the Stade de France in Paris, hoping to conclude disappointing campaigns with a glimmer of glory. Argentina and England have already played each other once at this tournament, during the pool stages, when England won 27-10. That victory was England’s 11th win in their last 12 meetings between the teams, with Argentina’s sole success during that period coming at Twickenham 11 months ago.
Ahead of the semi-finals, England were the only unbeaten team at this World Cup and they were just three minutes from reaching the final before a penalty kick from South Africa earned them an agonising 16-15 win. The Pumas, meanwhile were humbled by New Zealand in their semi as the All Blacks scored seven tries without reply on their way to a 44-6 victory.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match plus get all the Rugby World Cup odds and tips here:
When is England vs Argentina?
The third place play-off is scheduled to kick off at 8pm BST on Friday 27th October at Stade de Frace in Paris.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1 with coverage beginning at 7:30pm BST.
Registered users can also stream the match for free online on ITVX.
Team news
Steve Borthwick makes eight changes to the England XV that started the Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa. Henry Arundell and Freddie Steward will start on the wings for England as Marcus Smith returns to slot in at full-back. Several players who have not featured much in the tournament are given opportunities to shine with an all-new front row seeing Ellis Genge and Will Stuart either side of hooker Theo Dan.
Ollie Chessum comes back into the second row while Sam Underhill, who joined the squad as an injury replacement two weeks ago, starts at openside flanker. Tom Curry, will win his 50th cap, when moving to the blindside alongside Ben Earl at No 8. Scrum-half Ben Youngs starts his first game of the tournament with captain Owen Farrell once again at fly-half.
Argentina head coach, Michael Cheika, has made three changes to their starting XV from their semi-final defeat to New Zealand.
Tomas Cubelli replaces Gonzalo Bertranou at scrum-half, Jeronimo de la Fuente comes in for Santiago Chocobares at centre and Pedro Rubiolo replaces Tomas Lavanini in the second row.
Confirmed lineups:
England XV: 15. Marcus Smith, 14. Freddie Steward, 13. Joe Marchant, 12. Manu Tuilagi, 11. Henry Arundell, 10. Owen Farrell, 9. Ben Youngs; 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Theo Dan, 3. Will Stuart, 4. Maro Itoje, 5. Ollie Chessum, 6. Tom Curry, 7. Sam Underhill, 8. Ben Earl.
Replacements: 16. Jamie George, 17. Bevan Rodd, 18. Dan Cole, 19. David Ribbans, 20. Lewis Ludlam, 21. Danny Care, 22. George Ford, 23. Ollie Lawrence.
Argentina XV: 15. Juan Cruz Mallia, 14. Emiliano Boffelli, 13. Lucio Cinti, 12. Jeronimo de la Fuente, 11. Mateo Carreras, 10. Santiago Carreras. 9. Tomas Cubelli; 1. Thomas Gallo, 2. Julian Montoya, 3. Francisco Gomez Kodela, 4. Guido Petti, 5. Pedro Rubiolo, 6. Juan Martin Gonzalez, 7. Marcos Kremer, 8. Facundo Isa.
Replacements: 16. Agustin Creevy, 17. Joel Sclavi, 18. Eduardo Bello, 19. Matias Alemanno, 20. Rodrigo Bruni, 21. Lautaro Bazan Velez, 22. Nicolas Sanchez, 23. Matias Moroni.
Odds
England - 1/3
Draw - 22/1
Argentina - 13/5
Get the latest match odds and tips here.
Prediction
Much like the first Rugby World Cup encounter between these teams the game will come down to who has the better day with the boot. England have able kickers in Owen Farrell and George Ford while Marcus Smith provides an attacking threat at full-back. Steve Borthwick’s men should be good for a couple of tries too which will see them inflict a second tournament defeat on Argentina and claim the bronze medal.
England 24-17 Argentina
