Sharks star Ford has England motoring

GEORGE Ford masterminded a remarkable England victory forged in adversity after Argentina were toppled 27-10 in their World Cup opener despite Tom Curry being sent off in the third minute.

- DUNCAN BECH

Sale star Ford led England out of a crisis created by Sharks team-mate Curry's dangerous challenge on Juan Cruz Mallia that resulted in the flanker's yellow card being upgraded to red by the bunker review system.

Taking command, Ford landed three drop-goals and six penalties as Argentina were kicked into oblivion on a warm night at the Stade Velodrome in what was one of the nation's greatest acts of defiance on a rugby field.

While the outstanding fly-half was busy steering England around the pitch and keeping the scoreboard ticking over, his team-mates fought themselves to a standstill with Ben Earl and Courtney Lawes magnificent.