England slid to an 18-9 defeat in their opening autumn international against Australia on Saturday despite Wilkinson's best efforts.

The Toulon fly-half marked his return to Test rugby by scoring all England's points and produced a heroic defensive performance which belied his injury record.

Wilkinson believes England will need to improve in "every single area" if they are to bounce back with a victory over the Pumas.

"Argentina are an incredibly physical team - massively fit, fast, powerful and hugely passionate and skilful,” he said. “They are a team which surprise you week in and week out.”

Wilkinson, 30, should know, considering he plays each week at Toulon alongside Argentinian stars such as Juan Fernandez Lobbe, Felipe Contepomi and Esteban Lozada.

"You watch these guys train and think they are world-class players and you think 'thank God they are on my side'," said Wilkinson.

"Unfortunately that will not be the case next week."