USA U20s Lose to England, But Show Offensive Talents

07.02.2026Eagles

Dane Mitchell scores for USA U20s vs England U20s at 2026 JWC. Photo Levan Verdzeuli for World Rugby.

Author: Alex Goff

The stats will say that England's U20s defeated the USA U20s in the Junior World Championships, but there's a lot more to it than that.

This pool match started with England scoring quickly and early-on it seemed like this would be a rout akin to their last JWC meeting (a 109-0 loss in 2013). But faced with the speed of reset from the English and their power in forward play, the Americans found opportunities.

Their forwards began to battle in the breakdown and on defense, and that allowed the backs to find space. And the backs ... well the backs showed they have talent.

USA U20s vs England U20s at 2026 JWC. Photo Levan Verdzeuli for World Rugby.

Down 14-0 after 11 minutes the USA team unleashed a try of significant quality with some snappy passing involving the center pairing of Jameson Beatty and Dane Mitchell. A couple of impressive offloads set up a nice finish from wing Will Darbishire to make it 14-7.

England responded with tenacity and brutality and within 15 minutes were leading 35-7. The USA was just not quick enough getting off the ground and back into the defensive line. This was a case of just not having seen the pace of play at this level.

In addition, the Junior Eagles made a couple of errors that could be chalked up to not having a lot of time together. Each little mistake was punished harshly.

So it did seem to be set up for a England blowout, especially when two-thirds of their starting front row had to be subbed out early.

But the Americans had fight in them yet. A penalty and some good phase work allowed Beatty to lower his shoulder and thunder through two tacklers to score an impressive try. And while England scored again, at 42-14 on the stroke of halftime it was England's game and some moments of glitter for the Americans.

In the second half the USA team started to leverage what they felt (accurately) was some advantage out wide. Another well-executed move set up Mitchell for a try. Flyhalf Jack Firebrace had been popping little kicks over the defense hoping for a runner to get it. A couple of unlucky bounces has meant those chances hadn't quite come to hand, but coming out of their 22 one did.

Mitchell burst onto one such kick, beat his man, and outpaced the chased for a brilliant score. A few minutes later, fullback Gavin Holder sliced back against the grain and left defenders flummoxed in his wake for another brilliant try.

And suddenly we had a game on our hands. It was 49-33 and the Junior Eagles had earned a bonus point for four tries, and were in with a shout.

Papa Matelau for USA U20s vs England U20s at 2026 JWC. Photo Levan Verdzeuli for World Rugby.

A shout was all it was. England rebounded, and the forwards set up scrumhalf Jonny Weimann for a dive. Mitchell would cut through defenders to get his hat trick, but a couple of errors, and perhaps fatigue, allowed England to score two late.

So the final score was 68-40, but no one, save perhaps the USA players and coaches, expected 40 t0 be scored by the Americans.

England, which had hoped to cruise through this match after a close win over Ireland, had been forced to work for it.

For the USA team, they had dealt with an illness within the team leading up to the game. Jayden Williams had to replace Lyndon Bailey at lock just before gametime. Flanker Harrison Cluff, similarly, had to step in for Liam Hill. Darbishire for Finnian Love was also a late replacement. Hill was able to come on as a sub.

Meanwhile, Sawyer Troupe had to come off the bench midway through the first half for his fellow hooker Aidan Stewart, who was injured in a tackle.

Jack Firebrace for USA U20s vs England U20s at 2026 JWC. Photo Levan Verdzeuli for World Rugby.

That this team put this performance in despite those obstacles is impressive to say the least. Williams was monumental as a leader and player at lock. Papa Matelau showed little regard for his personal safety in charging on through the gainline. Meanwhile, late in the game when it wasn't going to matter, Cluff raced across the field to put in a desperate tackle to prevent an English try.

Overall this was a good showing from the backs and the best of them was probably Beatty, who ran and tackled in such a way that the English weren't too stoked about dealing with him. Still, Mitchell scored three tries and Holder logged 15 points with a try and the boot.

A loss, then, but a notice to everyone that maybe the USA team is here to make some noice.

USA 40
Tries: Darbishire, Beatty, Mitchell 3, Holder
Convs: Holder 5

England 68
Tries: Lewis, Cunnison, Scola, Gorleku, Pearson, Lilley, Weimann, Tracey, Offiah
Convs: Keylock 9