George Ford produced a kicking clinic as England recorded a sensational victory over Argentina at the Rugby World Cup.

The former Harpenden St George's pupil was given the start in Marseille, England's first of the tournament, because another of the Sun Lane school's old boys, Owen Farrell, was serving a suspension.

And he landed three drop-goals as well as six penalties as England won 27-10.

Herts Advertiser: Tom Curry was sent off for this accidental clash of heads. Picture: MIKE EGERTON/PATom Curry was sent off for this accidental clash of heads. Picture: MIKE EGERTON/PA (Image: Mike Egerton/PA)

That outcome had looked hugely unlikely when Tom Curry was given a controversial red card after just three minutes.

The flanker seemed to have an accidental collision with Juan Cruz Mallia as the Argentinian full-back came down from catching a high ball.

The head on head clash warranted a yellow clash but that was upgraded to red after a bunker review.

Herts Advertiser: Argentina's Santiago Carreras was only yellow carded for this charge into England's George Ford. Picture: ANDREW MATTHEWS/PAArgentina's Santiago Carreras was only yellow carded for this charge into England's George Ford. Picture: ANDREW MATTHEWS/PA (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA)

England fury was then doubled as Santiago Carreras clattered into Ford as he attempted a charge-down.

That also earned a yellow but this time, the bunker review said that was enough.

Argentina had kicked themselves into the lead after the Curry dismissal but with England needing to dig very deep, the 14 men summoned almost super-human efforts.

Ford led the way, increasing the confidence with a penalty and then three drop-goals, the first two from either side of half-way.

His third came from inside the 22 and at 12-3 at half-time the Pumas were on the ropes.

But there was no let-up after the break.

Manu Tuilagi cut Santiago Chocobares in half with a wince-inducing tackle and there were tackles and turnovers across the pitch.

It allowed Ford to add four more penalties, two in quick succession, and it became apparent early on that the outlook was bleak for Argentina.

Ford almost had the last say with another kick to take him to his highest ever points tally before coming off for Marcus Smith on 76 minutes.

Argentina finally managed to breach the navy blue wall in the final minute with a try for Rodrigo Bruni.

That did not matter and certainly did not impact one of the greatest performances in rugby history.