ENGLAND PLAYER RATINGS: Sam Underhill shows he shouldn’t be cast aside just yet as England secure third place at the World Cup… but Henry Arundell struggles on a rare chance to impress

England secured third place at the Rugby World Cup with a narrow 26-23 victory over Argentina.

It caps a hugely positive World Cup for Steve Borthwick’s side, who were written off by many on the way to the tournament in France.

The Red Rose still had to overcome a deficit on Friday, but in the end tries from Ben Earl and Theo Dan, together with 16 points from Owen Farrell, were enough for victory.

In light of the tense clash at the Stade de France, Mail Sport’s ALEX BYWATER rates England’s players.

Marcus Smith-6

Nice sleight of hand sent Ben Earl to the opening try. He is more than capable of playing at full-back, but will certainly be in the tenth position in four years’ time as he was once again attacked in the air.

Freddie Steward-5

Shifted from wing-back to wing-back and was an almost non-existent figure. No surprise he grabbed a few high balls, but nothing in attack.

Joe Marchant – 6.5

He remains in Paris to play club rugby with French side Stade Francais, meaning he will no longer be eligible for England. Based on his World Cup performance, he will be a loss.

Manu Tuilagi – 5.5

Physical as always, but met his match against Jeronimo de la Fuente. This may be the last time we see him in a white shirt. Replaced by George Ford.

Henry Arundell – 4

Finally got the chance to start. You wanted to see him in possession, but frustratingly that just didn’t happen. Not all his fault, but he needs to look for the ball more. Didn’t receive a pass from a teammate.

Owen Farrell (captain) – 6.5

With Smith at 15, England can have a playmaker on either side of the ruck and at the set-piece. Kicked well from the tee and helped his team finish third. Moved to center when Ford arrived.

Ben Youngs – 5

England’s most capped men’s player said goodbye to Test rugby in Paris. Produced a nice early dummy, but followed it up with a pass that slipped out of his hands.

Ellis Genge – 6

Well behaved and looked more than ready for battle. Tried in vain to stop Santiago Carreras after Theo Dan’s missed tackle. Replaced by Bevan Rodd.

Theo Dan – 6.5

England’s future in the number 2 jersey. One strong early carry and a good goal in defence, but the lineout wasn’t perfect. Failed to stop Carreras, but made up for it with an attack attempt.

Wil Stuart – 6

Penalized in the contact area in the first half and also pinged in the second half after Arundell kicked poorly. Helped England scrum well after battling in that area in the semi-final defeat to South Africa.

Maro Itoje – 7

Put good pressure on the Argentinian lineout and had an energetic start. He finished this World Cup well, but he must not let his form slacken.

Ollie Chessum – 6.5

He almost didn’t make it to this World Cup due to injury, but his development in an England jersey was extremely positive.

Tom Curry – 7

Cruelly and unnecessarily criticized for reporting alleged racist abuse against South Africa. This was his 50th cap at just 25 years of age. He immediately got to work by winning an early bad luck penalty.

Sam Underhill – 8

A bit of a forgotten man. First World Cup appearance after late call-up and was very impressive with his attitude, tackling and physicality. With 24 tackles he showed that he should not be sidelined yet.

Ben Earl – 7.5

He ran a brilliant line from Smith to score his first England try. He has had a sensational World Cup and should now be a permanent fixture in the back row. His speed is a real point of difference.

Replacements: Bevan Rodd (for Genge 50, 5.5), Dan Cole (for Stuart 50, 6), Lewis Ludlam (for Curry 50, 6), Danny Care (for Youngs 51, 6), Jamie George (for Dan 54, 7), George Ford (for Tuilagi 56, 6), Ollie Lawrence (for Arundell 66, 5), David Ribbans (for Chessum 70, 5)