England did just enough to come away with their fifth top-three finish in World Cup history.
Argentina fought until the end but the English pack proved the difference in the 26-23 victory at the Stade de France.
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It was the ideal bounce-back after last week's heartbreaking defeat against South Africa.
So what did we learn?
1. SEVEN HEAVEN
The bronze medal match turned into a battle of the sevens as both openside flankers came out with a point to prove.
Sam Underhill has not played a minute for England in this World Cup and looked like a man trying to expend months' worth of energy holding pads.
He smacked any Pumas attacker who came within a five-foot radius of him in several of his 24 tackles and was a well-deserved player of the match.
He was matched by Marcos Kremer, one of Argentina’s best throughout the World Cup. His 18 tackles were enough to break the record for most in a World Cup along with playing the most minutes across the tournament.
2. BEN THE BREAKOUT STAR
Ben Earl is a name Wallabies fans need to get familiar with before the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour.
His try in the seventh minute showed why he will be a threat for years to come, running a great line and showing off the strength and speed to get over the line. Earl also came up with a crucial turnover in the 52nd minute as Argentina started to build momentum
The number eight has emerged as a revelation under Steve Borthwick in an expanded role, arguably the biggest benefactor of Borthwick’s appointment.
The 25-year-old has done enough to cement his spot in a youthful forward pack that includes George Martin, Tom Curry and Ollie Cheesum.
3. SEIZING THE MOMENT
Argentina only have themselves to blame as they let England ultimately close out the bronze medal match.
They came out firing in the second half after a signature Michael Cheika spray delivered the necessary spark through Santiago Carreras’ try. Almost instantly, his clearing kick charged down and Theo Dan dived on it to restore the English lead.
Minutes later, they failed to find touch as England did just enough to stay in front via the boot of Owen Farrell. They may have only conceded seven penalties but when four are in kickable distance, it’s free points for the playmaker.
They had two clean breaks from Mateo Carreras but sloppiness around the ruck allowed England to survive and get the necessary turnovers to come away with the win.
4. MAN IN DEMAND
With another World Cup campaign in the bag, Michael Cheika will become one of the most desired coaches across multiple codes.
For the second year in a row, Cheika has taken a team deep into a World Cup. He took Lebanon to the Rugby League quarter-finals before taking Argentina within a whisker of third place.
He has a magical way of bringing the best out of his team when they need to most and delivered a classic Cheika half-time spray that almost got them over the line in the end.
The question is where does he go if he ends up not signing an extension with Argentina? There were rumours he was being eyed off by the Wests Tigers in a Director of Rugby-type role. Given the current news cycle, it won’t be long before his name is thrown around in the endless World Rugby coaching carousel.
5. STOPPING THE SWEEP
England ensured the Northern Hemisphere sides came away with some silverware with a gutsy performance that whilst didn’t please the Saint-Denis faithful, summed up their campaign.
If you had to pick a team before the World Cup to still be alive in the last two matches, the English were probably the third or fourth choice.
However, they constantly did what they had to do to come away with the win, even if the style of Rugby would be considered by some as boring. It'll mean they finish this tournament tied for the best win-loss record from the 2023 event given New Zealand and South Africa's group stages defeat.
It caps off a rollercoaster season for Borthwick, who has laid a great platform for the future.
