England fell agonisingly short of a place at the Rugby World Cup final after defeat to South Africa.
The likes of Red Rose captain Owen Farrell and incoming full-back Freddie Steward shone in Paris despite the 16-15 loss.
Steve Borthwick's tactics were largely spot on however the bench failed to hold out a late scrum siege by the Springboks.
Here's how Nick rated the England players at the Stade de France...
Freddie Steward – 9
An imperious showing from the returning full-back, who fully justified his selection but could not quite hold out at the last.
Jonny May – 8
A bullish and focused showing from the Gloucester wing, who put a huge amount of pressure on the Boks in the air.
Joe Marchant – 7
Kept it tight in defence in midfield but was unable to make much happen on the front foot in a typically brutal challenge against the Boks.
Manu Tuilagi – 8
Physicality personified and shut down so much traffic through his channel, all night.
Elliot Daly – 7
The versatile Saracen put himself about through everything but was messy at times in the air.
Owen Farrell (capt) – 9
The captain saved his best for the absolutely vital moment, only to fall agonisingly short through absolutely no fault of his own.
Alex Mitchell – 7
Put almost all of his kicks on the absolute money in a crucially accurate showing.
Joe Marler – 8
Exorcised any demons he would have had from the 2019 final with a potent and impressive showing in all respects.
Jamie George – 8
Had to go the full 80 for the third match in a row, and stood up impressively but fatigue had to tell in the end.
Dan Cole – 8
A night to remember for the veteran Leicester tighthead albeit in a result to lament at the very last.
Maro Itoje – 8
So aggressive and so effect but just could not push England over the line.
South Africa elation! 🇿🇦
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) October 21, 2023
England so brave but fall short! 🏴#RWC2023 | #ENGvRSA pic.twitter.com/HvWuMBfaHc
George Martin – 8
A brutal showing from the Leicester lock, who completely came of age in the Test arena with this performance.
Courtney Lawes – 8
Ran himself into the ground but also pulverised all comers in a devastating first 55 minutes.
Tom Curry – 8
In the wars all the time purely because he kept putting his body between the Boks and the ball, and to fine effect.
Ben Earl – 8
The biggest success story of this World Cup for England delivered another gritty and effective showing.
Replacements:
Ellis Genge (for Marler, 52) – 6
Could not contain the Boks scrum and that killed England off.
Kyle Sinckler (for Cole, 55) – 6
Bested by Ox Nche at the scrum but then so has everyone else been in this tournament.
Ollie Chessum (for Martin, 52) – 6
Put himself about but could not lock out the scrum just when England needed it most.
Billy Vunipola (for Curry, blood 32-38, 68) – 6
Not as his best again and will be frustrated with his levels at this competition.
Danny Care (for Mitchell, 52) –7
Tried to make things happen at the last but could not quite force the issue enough.
George Ford (for May, 77) – 7
Put some smart shape on England’s desperate final attacks but could not pull off a last-ditch comeback.
Ollie Lawrence (for Tuilagi, 73) – 7
The Bath centre punched several holes in a hectic cameo.
