STATEMENT: World Rugby responds after 'shambolic' scenes in Marseille

These delays were primarily caused by sluggish security checks and a significant influx of fans arriving just before kickoff, resulting in congestion at the gates.

Consequently, it is believed that numerous supporters missed the opening moments of the match, including the national anthems and Tom Curry's red card incident.

World Rugby have issues the following statement on the incident.

It reads: "We are aware of delays experienced by fans entering Stade de Marseille for the Rugby World Cup 2023 Pool D match between England and Argentina match this evening.

"While fans were able to take their seats, fan experience is paramount, and we are working with all stakeholders to establish the facts and implement measures to prevent such delays for the remaining Rugby World Cup 2023 matches at the venue."

Former England hooker Brian Moore wrote:"To @rugbyworldcup - the organisation at the Marseille stadium was beyond shambolic."

A fan added: "Spot on. Not enough entrances, not enough staff; ticket check at the top of steps and the tickets were checked twice (why?). If it had been a football crowd it would have been a riot."

Another commented: "Absolutely appalling conditions outside the stadium in Marseille - was stuck in a crush for an hour in intense heat, felt very dangerous. In now, but even 10 minutes after kick-off the stadium is still half-empty!"

A third said: "Absolute shambles outside stadium in marseille 5 mins before kick off! Surely

@FranceRugby owes its players and fans a better show and reputation than where people are almost fainting in hot crowds over an hour before kick off…"

"Never felt so unsafe at a rugby game. Bottled necked three times to get into the stadium, with minimal staff at each check point. I think it’s more luck than judgement (as far as I know) no one has been seriously hurt," tweeted a fourth.

Despite this triumph, there remains room for improvement in England's starting lineup, and we believe that Borthwick should consider implementing three changes to further enhance the team's prospects moving forward.

Telegraph 2/10: "The flanker was overeager in defence after an injury, red-carded after a TMO bunker review for a slightly unfortunate head-on-head collision in the third minute."

RUCK 0/10: "Sent off after just two minutes. Some may say unlucky, but the flanker really left the officials no choice."

Planet Rugby 1/10: "Some said he was unlucky, but ultimately he was high in contact and paid the price. Fortunately, his team-mates bailed him out. "

Rugby Pass 0/10: "Was hailed in the build-up as the potential missing link for the England defence as he arrived in France without playing a single minute of the four-game Summer Nations Series. That idea quickly went out the window, though. "

The Guardian 2/10: "Palpably fired up before the match, having not played since May, but lasted less than three minutes before a red card, via the bunker, for an overzealous tackle on Juan Cruz Mallía."

Replacement: Jack Willis

Telegraph 6/10: "Works exceptionally hard and certainly chases kicks well, but the 33-year-old looks past his (very good) best."

RUCK 6/10: "He puts in an exceptional amount of effort and certainly chases kicks effectively, but at 33 years old, he appears to have passed his prime, despite still performing at a very high level."

Replacement: Henry Arundell

RUCK 5.5/10: "Offered nothing in open play and was wayward with the boot."

Telegraph 5/10: "Fell short and wide with two long-range penalty attempts and did not get his hands on the ball as second receiver as England would have liked."

Guardian 6/10: "Gave away a breakdown penalty and gave a rank pass to May as England butchered an overlap on the right. Missed a couple of long-range penalties."

Replacement: Max Malins