Venue: Stade de France, Paris Date: Friday, 27 October Kick-off: 20:00 BST |
Protection: Commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports activities Additional, plus textual content updates on the BBC Sport web site and app |
Assault coach Richard Wigglesworth has mentioned England is not going to let investigations into an alleged on-pitch slur distract them from Friday’s Rugby World Cup third-place play-off towards Argentina.
“It is noise that is not about Friday – our prep and our want to complete in the appropriate method,” mentioned Wigglesworth.
“We’re actually motivated to point out our progress, to complete in the appropriate method. That’s with a win and a sense that we deserve.”
England beat Argentina in their tournament opener, regardless of shedding Curry to a third-minute pink card in Marseille.
The 25-year-old finds himself on the centre of controversy as soon as once more after the referee’s microphone picked up his criticism about an alleged racial slur by Mbonambi.
It has been recommended on social media that Mbonambi might have been making a tactical name in Afrikaans which feels like an offensive phrase in English.
“I am undecided you possibly can ever put your self in these footwear and know the way it feels, however what I do know is that Tom’s a powerful younger man who if chosen on Friday, he’ll pour the whole lot into that England shirt,” added Wigglesworth.
“World Rugby have been fairly vocal in following up issues prior to now and they should do the identical once more.”
‘As much as us to see the place we will take this group’
The rematch with the Pumas may very well be the ultimate Take a look at in a number of England gamers’ careers. Courtney Lawes will retire from international rugby on the finish of the match, whereas wing Jonny Could says it’s “greater than possible” he’ll also call time on England duty after Friday’s recreation.
Requested whether or not is it laborious for the group to choose themselves up mentally after struggling the late defeat by the Springboks, quantity eight Ben Earl cited the motivation to pay tribute to Lawes, Could and doubtlessly others with a victory.
“It’s laborious – very laborious,” he mentioned.
“We’ve received to lean on one another and provides these boys, for who it may be their final recreation for England, the send-off they deserve.
“For Courtney to be enjoying a few of his finest rugby final weekend, in what might have been considered one of his final video games for England, is testomony to the kind of participant he’s.
“It says loads about him. It’s most likely one of the selfless selections you may make, pulling your individual plug in your worldwide profession.”
Earl has been one of many breakout stars of England’s marketing campaign. The 24-year-old made his first worldwide begin in August in a World Cup warm-up win over Wales, however has made extra runs and tackles than another England participant in a string of all-action performances at France 2023.
“I am actually happy with what I’ve put out on this marketing campaign,” he added. “I am simply glad I might contribute with a rose on my chest. There’s a number of of us now which have a little bit of particular person accountability, a small group of us which have now received to suppose what’s subsequent for this England group.
“There is not any secret there’s going to be slightly little bit of a transition. The actually skilled guys perhaps not being concerned any extra. It is as much as us now to take that mantle on and see the place we will take the group.”