European Union
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England vs Argentina
Match scheduled:
Date: 14-11-2009
Time: 14:30 until 16:30
International Match
England manager Martin Johnson is running out of time to cement his coaching credentials © Getty Images
England entertain Argentina at Twickenham on Saturday with the hosts under increasing pressure to return to winning ways and silence their critics.
Martin Johnson's side impressed all too briefly on their way to defeat against Australia last weekend but it was their failure to muster any significant attack and their general lack of a cutting edge that left the biggest question marks.
England are sorely in need of a morale-boosting win and more forgiving opposition than the Wallabies. Although the Pumas were once fodder for most they are no longer pushovers - far from it. They are a growing force on the international stage, no strangers to victory at Twickenham, and will soon be joining their southern hemisphere rivals on a regular basis in an expanded Tri-Nations competition.
Argentina's victory at England's HQ in 2006 was a clear sign of things to come and a dazzling display at the 2007 Rugby World Cup followed while more recently the Pumas shared the spoils in a two-Test series with Johnson's side in the summer. That victory in Salta in June leaves Santiago Phelan's side on the brink of historic back-to-back victories and sets up a mouth-watering contest.
Sadly the occasion has been stripped of many of its leading lights. England's injury woes have been well-documented with fullback Delon Armitage and centre Riki Flutey just two creative voids yet to be adequately filled. The Pumas are also reeling from the loss of playmaker Juan Martin Hernandez and this weekend's fixture has come too soon for fly-half Felipe Contepomi.
Johnson looks for a winning combination
Pumas aware of Wilkinson challenge
Pumas look for back-to-back victories
Matches England v Argentina
Players/Officials Steve Borthwick | Paul Doran-Jones | Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe | Dylan Hartley | James Haskell | Martin Johnson | Santiago Phelan | Jonny Wilkinson
Tournaments/Tours Argentina tour
Teams Argentina | England
