Match Highlights & Weather Drama

⚡ Double Lightning Delays: Kickoff at Audi Field was postponed by an hour, followed by a 40-minute stoppage mid-game as storms threatened player safety. Fans were twice evacuated to concourse areas.

🏉 England's Try Spree: Hooker Curtis Langdon (11') and center Luke Northmore (18') capitalized on USA's yellow-card disadvantage. Winger Cadan Murley (40+1'), scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet (43'), replacement Harry Randall (62'), and Gabriel Oghre (72') completed the six-try rout.

🇺🇸 USA's Consolation: Replacement hooker Shilo Klein scored a last-minute try, denying England a shutout in front of 20,000 fans.

Tactical Breakdown

• New Blood Shines: Debutants Joe Carpenter (Sale) and Max Ojomoh (Bath) impressed, while Gloucester's Charlie Atkinson became England's first fly-half debutant since 2022.
• Forward Dominance: England's pack overpowered the Eagles with 78% territory control and 92% lineout success.
• Discipline Issues: USA's Chris Hilsenbeck received the game's only yellow card for repeated breakdown infringements.

Weather Woes in US Sports

🌩️ Recent Disruptions:

• FIFA Club World Cup delays in Orlando (2.5 hours) and Charlotte (1h53m)
• USA vs Spain rugby test interrupted (June 22)
• MLB's Nationals vs Phillies postponed (June 19)

🗓️ 2031/33 World Cup Context: Washington's storm-prone conditions raise questions as it bids to host matches for rugby's premier event. The city saw 32 lightning-related game delays across sports in 2023.

Future Implications

• England coach Steve Borthwick praised squad depth: "When weather disrupts rhythm, adaptability becomes crucial."
• USA coach Scott Lawrence highlighted progress: "Holding England to 21 points during active play shows defensive growth."

Upcoming Fixtures:

• England vs All Blacks (July 6)
• USA vs Samoa (Pacific Nations Cup, July 13)