When England national rugby team takes the field at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, November 23, 2025, it won’t be the same side that beat its last opponent. The shock? Henry Slade, England’s dynamic outside center and key playmaker, is out — ruled out with a nagging hamstring injury just days before the final 2025 Quilter Nations Series fixture against Argentina. In his place, Luke Northmore steps in, a 23-year-old from Bath with just six international caps. The move isn’t just a tactical tweak — it’s a statement. Head coach Steve Borthwick isn’t just filling a gap. He’s testing depth, and maybe, just maybe, looking ahead to 2027.
Slade’s Absence Forces a Shift
It was a quiet announcement, almost buried in the flood of team news. Henry Slade didn’t crash into a ruck or twist awkwardly in a tackle. He just didn’t recover. A lingering hamstring issue, first flared during training last week, forced him out of the lineup. The Rugby Football Union (RFU) confirmed the news on November 19, 2025. No surgery. No long-term concern. Just not ready. And that’s where Luke Northmore comes in — not as a stopgap, but as the next option in a chain Borthwick has been building for months.Northmore started against Fiji in June and played 40 minutes off the bench against Italy in July. He’s fast, physical, and has a knack for finding gaps. But he’s never started a Test at outside center. That’s the twist. Slade was England’s most consistent attacking outlet in 2025, averaging 1.8 offloads per game. Northmore? He’s more of a straight-line runner. The change isn’t just personnel — it’s philosophy.
Leadership and Lineup Stability
While Slade’s absence is notable, the rest of the side remains almost untouched. Maro Itoje leads the side as captain, flanked by vice-captains George Ford and Ellis Genge. That’s stability. That’s experience. Ford, at fly-half, will now be the primary playmaker — a role he’s mastered since returning from injury in August. Genge, the veteran prop, brings grit. Itoje? He’s been England’s engine room this year — 98 tackles, 12 lineout wins, and two tries in his last four Tests.And then there’s Elliott Daly. The Telegraph’s report mentioned Borthwick had "backed" Daly for a central role in World Cup preparations. That’s the real story here. Daly, 30, has been a journeyman — fullback, wing, center. He’s been on the fringes since 2023. But now? He’s starting on the wing, pushing Immanuel Feyi-Waboso to the bench. Why? Because Borthwick isn’t just playing for this match. He’s playing for the future. Daly’s game management, defensive discipline, and veteran presence are exactly what England needs in the lead-up to 2027. This isn’t a one-off selection. It’s a signal.
Argentina Arrives Confident — and Changed
Don’t assume Argentina is the underdog here. They’ve won their last two Tests: 52-28 over Wales in Cardiff on November 9, and 33-24 against Scotland in Edinburgh on November 16. Their head coach, Felipe Contepomi, has made five changes for this match — the most significant being the return of Tomás Albornoz at fly-half. Albornoz, 27, missed the last two matches after breaking his hand in the Rugby Championship and then suffering a hamstring tear against South Africa. He’s the heartbeat of their attack. His return, alongside center Lucio Cinti and lock Franco Molina, gives Argentina a fresher, more explosive backline.They’re not here to make up the numbers. They’re here to prove they belong in the top tier. And with their 2025 campaign ending here, they’ll play with nothing to lose. That’s dangerous.
Why This Match Matters Beyond the Scoreline
England’s 2025 campaign has been their most cohesive since 2020. After a disastrous 2024 — losing to Australia, Wales, and South Africa — they’ve won six of seven Tests this year. The World Rugby Rankings (last updated July 7, 2025) have them at No. 4, just behind New Zealand and South Africa. A win here, even with a changed lineup, could push them into the top three. But more than rankings, it’s about momentum. Borthwick’s side has shown resilience, attacking flair, and now — depth. That’s rare.Argentina, meanwhile, has quietly become one of the most improved teams in the world. They’re no longer just physical. They’re smart. They’re clinical. And they’ve got a new generation of backs who can run with anyone.
This isn’t just a curtain-raiser for 2026. It’s a benchmark. A test of England’s ability to adapt under pressure. And for Argentina? It’s a chance to end the year on a high, with a statement win on English soil.
What’s Next?
After this match, England’s next Test won’t come until June 2026, against Ireland in Dublin. That’s when Borthwick’s decisions today will be judged. Will Northmore’s performance earn him a permanent spot? Will Daly’s leadership cement his role as a World Cup veteran? Will Ford and Itoje continue to anchor a side that’s finally clicking?For Argentina, the focus shifts to the 2026 Rugby Championship. They’ll need to replicate this form against New Zealand and Australia. But this match in London? It’s their last chance to prove they’re not just a team that can win in Buenos Aires — they can win anywhere.
Twickenham will be loud. The rain might fall. The ball might slip. But one thing’s certain: this game won’t be decided by the names on the back of the jerseys. It’ll be decided by who steps up when it matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Henry Slade ruled out, and is he at risk of missing the 2027 World Cup?
Slade was ruled out due to a persistent hamstring strain that didn’t respond to treatment ahead of the match. The RFU confirmed it’s not a structural injury, and he’s expected to return to training in early December. There’s no indication he’ll miss the 2027 World Cup — this is a precautionary setback, not a career threat. His absence is more about timing than long-term concern.
How does Luke Northmore’s playing style differ from Henry Slade’s?
Slade is a playmaker — he reads defenses, creates space, and offloads under pressure. Northmore is a power runner: direct, fast, and strong in contact. He doesn’t have Slade’s passing range or vision, but he’s harder to tackle in the open field. England’s game plan will likely shift from structured attack to more direct running, especially in the midfield.
Why is Elliot Daly starting on the wing now?
Daly’s return to the starting XV is a strategic move by Borthwick to add experience and defensive reliability. Though he’s played center and fullback before, his ability to cover multiple positions and his leadership make him ideal for the wing in this match. It’s also a signal that he’s being groomed as a key figure in the 2027 World Cup squad, even if he’s not the flashiest player.
What impact will this match have on the World Rugby Rankings?
England currently sits at No. 4 in the World Rugby Rankings (last updated July 7, 2025). A win over Argentina — ranked No. 8 — would likely lift them into the top three, possibly even close the gap on Australia. A loss, however, could open the door for Ireland or South Africa to overtake them. Points are weighted heavily for wins against top-10 teams, making this a crucial opportunity for both sides.
Who is broadcasting the match in the United States?
The match will be streamed live in the U.S. on FloRugby and the FloSports app. FloSports Inc., based in Austin, Texas, holds exclusive rights to broadcast select international rugby fixtures in North America through 2025, including matches involving England, New Zealand, South Africa, and France. A subscription is required to access the broadcast.
Is this the final match of the 2025 Quilter Nations Series for both teams?
Yes. This match at Twickenham is the last fixture of the 2025 Quilter Nations Series for both England and Argentina. England’s schedule now shifts to the 2026 Six Nations, while Argentina returns to the Rugby Championship. The series, sponsored by British financial firm Quilter plc, is designed to give Tier 1 nations high-level autumn Tests against global rivals — and this clash is the culmination of a season that’s seen both teams improve significantly.
