England were back in Autumn Nations Series action this afternoon with Twickenham treated to an instant response after last week’s shocker against Argentina. Eddie Jones’ side laboured badly in a sloppy, error-strewn opener six days ago, with the Pumas triumphing narrowly 30-29 to produce their first win at English rugby headquarters since 2006.
That was England’s fifth defeat of 2022 already to set alarm bells ringing ahead of huge Tests to come against the All Blacks and Springboks on successive weekends, with optimism fading after a winning summer tour of Australia followed another disappointing Six Nations. However, England bounced back in style against Japan, running in six tries plus a penalty score in a 52-13 thrashing in south-west London.
Marcus Smith and Guy Porter both had braces, with further efforts from man of the match Freddie Steward and prop Ellis Genge. Steward and scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet were the stars of the show in a much-improved display. Follow England vs Japan reaction live below, with expert analysis from Nick Purewal at Twickenham.
