Lock Itoje crossed for England’s only try of the game from close range with 12 minutes to go after his clubmate and captain Owen Farrell was sent off for a high tackle.

Sale Sharks fly-half George Ford also played a crucial role for England, converting Itoje’s try before kicking a late penalty to complete a recovery from 17-9 down and snatch victory.

A penalty try and a score from Cardiff Rugby scrum-half Tomos Williams, converted by RC Toulon fly-half Dan Biggar, had put Wales in control but the visitors were unable to close the game out despite England’s ill-discipline.

Meanwhile, a late penalty from Stade Toulousain full-back Thomas Ramos saw France edge to a 30-27 victory over Scotland at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.

Ramos, who tallied 70 points in last season’s Heineken Champions Cup, slotted three conversions and three penalties over the course of the game.

Fly-half Romain Ntamack, another Toulouse star, and Union Bordeaux-Bègles wing Damien Penaud went over for France’s first tries before Charles Ollivon, who is set to captain Toulon on their return to the Champions Cup next season, also crossed.

A try brace from Glasgow Warriors wing Kyle Steyn and another score from his clubmate Rory Darge – plus seven points from new Bath Rugby fly-half Finn Russell - had drawn Scotland level with the World Cup hosts before Ramos’ decisive strike.

Saracens’ three-time Champions Cup winner Maro Itoje scored a crucial try as England beat Wales 19-17 in a World Cup warm-up at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.