England forced to dig deep in close-fought World Cup win over Samoa

THUMBS UP: England’s Joe Marler applauds the crowd after the game. Picture: INPHO/James Crombie

England were forced to dig deep in an 18-17 victory over Samoa that will have left probable World Cup quarter-final opponents Fiji licking their lips.

A dominant final quarter saw Samoa’s 17-8 lead eventually overhauled when Danny Care crossed with seven minutes left for a try that was converted by Owen Farrell.