Martin Johnson defended England's tactics during Saturday's hard-fought 37-15 victory over Argentina at Old Trafford.

The amount of kicking drew jeers from the 40,521-strong crowd yet Johnson took great satisfaction from toppling a side famed for their physical, attritional style.

"It was a cagey first half in many ways but you have to make good decisions against Argentina because (Juan Martin) Hernandez can kick from anywhere," he said. "We had to be patient and take our points."

He added: "When you have shots at goal against Argentina you must take them. You have to put pressure on the opposition."

England ran in three tries with Matt Banahan crossing for the first and Delon Armitage adding a brace to replace the Pumas in fifth place in the world rankings. Brive fly-half Andy Goode finished with 22 points and Johnson praised his temperament.

He added: "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 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."

Test debutant Banahan was named man of the match, continuing his impressive rise after starting the summer in the Saxons squad but will now head to Salta for next Saturday's second Test with a second cap within his grasp.

"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."