"A colossus in Marseille" - England's five best players against Fiji

While the team as a whole shone, we highlight the top five standout players from this thrilling 30-24 victory:

RUCK 7.5/10: "Received a hospital pass for his first involvement that saw him take a heavy hit, and was then turned over on the deck. However, he soon fired back with key running lines, and scored England’s second try of the match. A nice line break cut back inside and over the try-line. Awesome defence, and goaded Fijian defenders to fly off their feet for a 37^th minute penalty. Presented his versatility in defence as he was pushed out wide, following Ollie Lawrence’s introduction."

Evening Standard 8/10: "A fine turn from one of England’s World Cup success stories. Playing with real confidence and grit."

Express 8/10: "Scored a first half try with a neat finish in one of his best performances in his time with England."

RUCK 8.5/10: "His best match for a very long time. Itoje looks like he is hitting top gear, as he did in time for the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final. Good vocal opening set-pieces, with a leadership role in the line-outs. Took centre stage with a thrilling carry from an intercept, and fended a tackler away. Excellent chop tackles, but was levelled by a double hit as the match became a physical showdown of dominance. Brilliant turnovers and leading by example, Itoje was back to his elite best."

Planet Rugby 8/10: " Getting back towards his best with a series of vital interventions. Disrupted Fiji in both set-piece and the loose"

RUCK 8/10: "An excellent showing from the boot, with eagerness to kick to May and Daly out wide early on. Left his mark with a less than perfectly timed tackle on Botitu, after just four minutes. A strong showing from the boot to find touch, with a slight blemish coming from the tee as he hit the post once. Imposed his physicality with strong hits, and ignored the claims for a high tackle on Radradra following his own kick-chase. Back to his best, exciting signs from Farrell who gave a true captain’s contribution both in attack and defence. Nailed a Wilkinson-Ford esque drop goal, and beat the kicking stop clock."

Evening Standard. 9/10: "The captain and talisman delivered in every facet to prove exactly why he had been restored to fly-half for this clash. Has to stay there now for England."

Planet Rugby 8/10: "A couple of missed kicks but it was probably England’s best attacking performance of the tournament, with Farrell directing operations excellently. Still wince when he tackles so upright but got away with it this time."

Express 8/10: "Under pressure to justify his selection, controlled game for large parts and even dropped a goal."

RUCK 8.5/10: "Simply epic. Lawes had one of the games of his life on Borthwick’s blindside flank. Lawes flew into tackles from kick off, as England’s line-speed was something to marvel at. He was dumped into touch by a trio of Fijian defenders, yet bounced back to steal the ball multiple times at the breakdown. A huge 48^thminute turnover halted a flying Fijian attack, as did his effort on the 58^th minute, with the Pacific Islanders battling hard to fight back. Constantly offering an option in attack, Lawes was sublime today."

Planet Rugby 9/10: "Absolutely vital for this Red Rose outfit because of his lineout and breakdown work. One of their primary carriers as well. A colossus in Marseille."

Evening Standard 8/10: "One turnover stunned Fiji and completely turned the early momentum on its head in Marseille. Measured and merciless."

RUCK 8.5/10: "14 tackles. 11 carries. Simply awesome. Ben Earl was phenomenal against Fiji, and looked set to score the try of the tournament following his solo breakaway in the closing moments of the match. Quick over the break-down, as he worked tirelessly to secure the turnovers, and had the entire England side cheering in his recognised style. A 38^th minute turnover took the wind out of the flying Fijian sails, and presented an astute rucking knowledge by goading in his opponents to go off their feet. One of, if not his best day in an England shirt."

Planet Rugby 9/10: "Has been England’s best player in this tournament and was once again superb here. Magnificent in every facet."

Evening Standard 9/10: "His transformation has been phenomenal. England’s man of the World Cup delivered again and he deserves all the plaudits that will come his way and more."

Express 9/10: "Best game yet for England, everywhere at the breakdown. Storming late run brought late Farrell penalty."

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