England wrapped up their Autumn Nations Series with a resounding 59-14 victory over Japan at a roaring Twickenham Stadium. After three heartbreaking defeats in the dying moments against New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa, Steve Borthwick’s men were determined to finish on a high, and this dominant display brings a positive end to a tough autumn campaign.
A One-Sided First Half
From the opening minutes, England took control of the game. After a slick pass from Marcus Smith, Ben Earl powered over for the first try under the posts, which the Harlequins fly-half duly converted. Moments later, Sam Underhill bulldozed his way through to double the lead. Jamie George, in outstanding form, scored twice from mauls, giving England a commanding 28-0 lead before Japan finally responded. Captain Naito crossed the line after a brilliant break from Dylan Riley, but Ollie Sleightholme’s superb finish in the corner ensured England went into halftime with a comfortable 35-7 advantage.
Impact from the Bench in the Second Half
Japan showed attacking intent after the break, while England momentarily lost their momentum. However, the hosts quickly regained control, with the standout moment of the match coming from Tommy Freeman, who delivered a stunning behind-the-back offload to set up George Furbank, igniting the Twickenham crowd. Luke Cowan-Dickie then added two more tries to push England past the 50-point mark, before Tom Roebuck capped off the evening with his first international try, latching onto a clever kick from Fin Smith to seal the 59-14 win.
A truly awesome assist 🤝
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 24, 2024
Tommy Freeman sets up @SaintsRugby teammate @GeorgeFurbank brilliantly for England's first try of the second half 🌹
Watch the closing stages on @tntsports 📺#ENGvJPN | #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/9PeJf21l8Y
Asher Opoku’s Debut
Having dominated at scrum time during England’s U20 World Cup triumph this summer, Asher Opoku was widely tipped for a rapid rise to the senior squad—and he didn’t have to wait long. Called into training ahead of the South Africa clash but left out of the matchday squad, the 20-year-old Sale Sharks prop was handed his first cap against Japan following Joe Marler’s surprise international retirement.
Opoku-Fordjour entered the fray in the 55th minute, replacing Bath’s Will Stuart at tighthead prop, and delivered a composed performance that earned praise from veteran hooker Jamie George.
“I thought he was fantastic. What a brilliant performance for such a young player, especially in a game like this. The way he handled the scrum today was seriously impressive. He didn’t get many opportunities with the ball, which I was hoping to see, but that’s just how games unfold sometimes. He’s been excellent all week in training and has really brought something to the squad. He’s quite a reserved guy, but he’s really impressed me. I think he has a very bright future ahead.”
With Joe Marler’s international career over and 37-year-old Dan Cole unlikely to play for many more seasons, England’s front-row is set for change. Asher Opoku could well be the next global star in the tighthead prop position.
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