Below-par England take the spoils

England made a half-time substitution, Gloucester prop Phil Vickery replacing Julian White, and the home side suddenly had a spring in their step.

Wilkinson's vision created space for back-row predators Neil Back and Lawrence Dallaglio and Argentina's defence was at last stretched.

Balshaw also got into the action, embarking on a dangerous run towards the Pumas' posts, but Argentina just about snuffed out the danger.

On 44 minutes though, Wilkinson completed his penalty hat-trick, giving England a 12-0 lead with the promise of more points to come as Argentina found themselves under an increasing bombardment.

England wasted a glorious 55th-minute try-scoring opportunity when Balshaw was guilty of a shocking mistake.

After England's forwards had created a promising attacking platform, the ball was moved wide, but Balshaw ignored a glaring overlap which would have given wing Ben Cohen a certain try.

That squandered effort summed up England's day - plenty of effort, but little in terms of results - and the crowd grew increasingly restless.

Wing Dan Luger set off on a threatening break just two minutes later, but predictably, it came to nothing, and in desperation of greater creativity, Woodward sent on Will Greenwood in place of Bath centre Mark Tindall with more than 20 minutes remaining.

England still held a comfortable lead, but once again were unable to finish off a succession of chances. Argentina had full-back Felipe Contepomi sin-binned just after the hour, and a man down, the Pumas suddenly found themselves plugging huge gaps.

England's wait for that illusive try was finally rewarded when Wilkinson kicked through the Argentina defence, and Cohen was alert enough to claim his sixth international try. Wilkinson converted, and England led 19-0.