England have defended Henry Pollock after the young forward was caught on video making dismissive gestures towards Argentina fans on the streets of Buenos Aires before the football World Cup semi-final. England’s head coach, Steve Borthwick, insisted the Northampton flanker was just being “good natured” but has again opted not to start the 21-year-old against the Pumas on Saturday.
Footage has emerged on Instagram of Pollock and other teammates pulling faces, shushing the crowd and making various uncomplimentary gestures at local supporters from the top deck of England’s team bus on Wednesday. Anglo-Argentinian relations have inevitably been under the spotlight this week, with England’s players having previously been warned not to compromise their personal safety by venturing outside their hotel.
