England vs Argentina Rugby World Cup Prediction & Picks: Will the Pumas Be Outmuscled in Marseille?

Yesterday, the 2023 Rugby World Cup got off to quite the start with hosts France defeating New Zealand 27-13 at the Stade de France. Today, the tournament really gets underway with four matches, with the day’s final game between England and Argentina (3:00 pm ET, Peacock) the standout Saturday showdown.favo

Neither team is among the leading contenders to win the tournament–France, New Zealand, Ireland, and reigning World Cup champions South Africa are–but England and Argentina are the top teams in Pool D, which also features Chile, Japan, and Samoa.

As a result, the winner of this match will be heavily favored to finish atop the pool. Who will make the right moves in Marseille? It’s expected to be a tight contest.

England vs Argentina Odds

Odds are via Bovada.

Spread

• England -0.5 (-105)
• Argentina +0.5 (-115)

Moneyline

• England -103
• Argentina -103
• Draw +2500

Over/Under

• Over 43.5 (-110)
• Under 43.5 (-110)

Can England Shake Pre-Tournament Form to Maintain a Winning Trend?

Four years ago in Japan, England reached the World Cup final, where, as favorites, they fell to South Africa.

A lot has happened since, and most recently, very little has been positive. Entering this World Cup, England are eighth in the world rankings, two spots behind Argentina.

In their last 13 international matches, England have four wins, eight losses, and a draw, including a record of three wins and six losses this year. Five of those six 2023 losses have come in their last six matches, and their final World Cup warm-up match was a 30-22 loss to Fiji on August 26.

Based on their form, there’s little reason to feel optimistic about England’s chances to advance beyond the quarters or win their toughest contest of pool play.

It’s also not encouraging that coach Steve Borthwick will not be able to call upon his captain and one of the squad’s most experienced players.

Captain Owen Farrell is suspended for the first two matches of the World Cup after being handed a four-match ban for a bad tackle in a warm-up win over Wales last month.

Also, Billy Vunipola, who has 70 international appearances and played in the previous two World Cups, is suspended for the opener after receiving a three-match ban for his red card against Ireland last month.

However, one thing in England’s favor is a sparkling record in World Cup openers.

Results for England in Rugby World Cup Openers

• 2019: won 35-3 vs Tonga
• 2015: won 35-11 vs Fiji
• 2011: won 13-9 vs Argentina
• 2007: won 28-10 vs USA
• 2003: won 84-6 vs Georgia
• 1999: won 67-7 vs Italy
• 1995: won 24-18 vs Argentina
• 1991: lost 18-12 to New Zealand
• 1987: lost 19-6 to Australia

Also, they have a significant historical head-to-head advantage against Argentina. The Pumas claimed a thrilling 30-29 win in London in their most recent meeting in November of last year, but England have won 19 of 25 all-time meetings, including 10 of the last 11 and all three in World Cup play.

England vs Argentina Prediction and Picks

Prediction: England to win

Picks: England ML (-103 at Bovada) & England/Argentina over 43.5 (-110 at Bovada)

It has been a pretty rough run-up to the World Cup for England, and injuries and suspensions mean that they aren’t at full strength.

However, there is still a wealth of experience and talent in their squad, and the World Cup can be an opportunity to put the recent past behind them and showcase what they are capable of.

With that in mind, I think they will put in an inspired performance in Marseille and continue their dominance over Argentina. The outcome may not be decided late in the match, as was the case when these two teams last met. But look for England to pick up a valuable victory that will set them up well for the Pool D win.

Where to Bet on the 2023 Rugby World Cup

While rugby may not be one of the most widely watched or bet on sports in the United States, the Rugby World Cup always draws a lot of attention.

You can find 2023 Rugby World Cup odds at many of the top sports betting sites available to bettors in the USA. In addition to Bovada, here are some of the online sportsbooks that we recommend which offer odds on each game in the tournament, as well as Rugby World Cup winner futures odds:

• BetOnline
• BetUS
• MyBookie
• Sportsbetting.ag

If you don’t have an account at a book on this list, check out our in-depth reviews to help you determine if it is worth your interest and your betting funds. Happy betting, and please bet responsibly.