England survive chaotic clash to defeat Argentina in Nations Championship

Despite spending two separate spells with only 13 players, England produced a clinical display to preserve their unbeaten record in the series.

The contest was overshadowed by a string of yellow cards, with both sides repeatedly punished as the game became increasingly ill-tempered.

The visitors made a flying start when Tommy Freeman crossed in the fourth minute, while England's pack established control throughout the opening period.

Argentina's Mateo Carreras was shown a yellow card before Tomas Albornoz put the hosts on the scoreboard with a penalty on the half-hour mark.

Ben Earl then struck twice before the interval, with Marcus Smith adding both conversions to send England into the dressing room with a commanding 19-3 advantage.

Argentina responded immediately after the restart as Carreras touched down, with Albornoz adding the extras. Momentum continued to swing after Jack van Poortvliet and Alex Coles were both sin-binned, leaving England down to 13 men. A penalty try in the 55th minute brought Argentina within two points at 19-17.

The hosts' comeback was halted when Joaquin Oviedo and Santiago Carreras also received yellow cards, reducing Argentina to 13 players. England capitalised, with Marcus Smith crossing for their fourth try before converting it himself.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso then seized on an overthrown Argentine lineout to score in the 69th minute, stretching the visitors' lead to 31-17.

England's discipline deteriorated again late on as Henry Pollock and Emmanuel Iyogun were both shown yellow cards, forcing the visitors to finish with 13 players for a second time.

Justo Piccardo grabbed a last-minute try, converted by Albornoz, but England held firm to secure a deserved 31-24 triumph.