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Martin Johnson has demanded his England team play "on the edge" when they open their two-Test series against Argentina at Old Trafford on Saturday.

The Pumas' brand of attritional rugby swept them to third at the 2007 World Cup and Johnson (pictured, left) is expecting a ferocious contest in the tackle area.

"Argentina have a lot of pride in their game. We know how they play and it's very effective," said Johnson. "Whoever controls the tackle area will come out on top. You have to go right to the edge with Argentina and also be smart."

He continued: "If you're not on the edge you'll lose out. They play right on the edge of that area. We have to win that battle.

"If they think there's a weakness in you, they'll exploit it. They're a very hard team to score against and beat.

"I admire the way they play. They're right in your face and they come after you.

"They're a bloody good team with guys who play at the highest level around Europe. They're not number five in the world by accident.

"You don't end up coming third in the World Cup and getting out of the pool they got out of without winning Test matches.

"If we hit the level of performance we're capable of then we have a chance of winning."

PA Sport / Eurosport