England manager Martin Johnson moved quickly to defend England's tactics following their 37-15 victory over Argentina.
England boss defends tactics at Old Trafford
England manager Martin Johnson moved quickly to defend England's tactics following their 37-15 victory over Argentina at Old Trafford.
A brace of tries from full-back Delon Armitage sealed the win after debutant Matt Banahan capped a memorable day with a well-taken try.
Brive fly-half Andy Goode was also instrumental with a 22-point haul, and, despite criticism from sections of the 40,521 crowd, Johnson was pleased with his side's performance
"It was a cagey first half in many ways but you have to make good decisions against Argentina because Hernandez can kick from anywhere," he said.
"We had to be patient and take our points. When you have shots at goal against Argentina you must take them. You have to put pressure on the opposition.
Great feeling
"Andy Goode kept his composure very well because it's not nice when people are whistling you because they want to see running rugby, but you have to win the Test match.
"We chose when to move the ball and when to kick very well. It was a good win for us.
"We were disappointed to lose against the Barbarians and it was disappointing to be that far down so early but we said let's get better as a team against Argentina.
"We handled Argentina and took our opportunities with the ball. There was a great new feeling in the changing room afterwards."
Bath wing Banahan was named man of the match for his performance, an accolade Johnson believes was justified.
"Matt played very well. He forced the ball early and I can't remember him making a mistake," said Johnson.
"Since he's been in this squad you could see his determination to take his chance. There are lots of good wingers around in England.
"Ugo Monye took his chance and is on a Lions tour. Now Matt has grabbed his opportunity in that number 11 shirt.
"He told me he wants a run of games to prove what he can do and if he keeps playing like that he'll have every chance."
Progress
Armitage, a surprise omission for the Lions squad for the tour of South Africa, marked his 10th cap with his fourth and fifth tries and Johnson is delighted with his progress.
"Delon is maturing as a player. He's taken his disappointment with the Lions very well," he said.
"He's done very well for us. I enjoy watching him play and being part of the team. He's with us until he gets the call from the Lions.
"I hope for his sake he does get the call, though it will be nice if it's after next Saturday."
Argentina skipper Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, who is heading to Toulon after three seasons at Sale, was impressed by England's display.
"England had a good gameplan and very good in the contact area. They messed up our ball big time," he said.
"They played a tactical and positional game. We conceded too many penalties and that meant we were in our half for much of the match."
