While many are referring to previous meetings between the two nations, Bielsa knows that victory would send his side through to the second round and is more concerned about what happens in Argentina's future rather than being hung-up on their past;

"We are not thinking about sending England home," insisted Bielsa. "We are only concerned with our own intensity.

"We respect the English team and this is a good test for us.

"I am very aware of how England play and we have prepared for this game as thoroughly as any other.

"After beating Nigeria I knew that we must improve. What we did against Nigeria is not enough."

Bielsa is obviously understands the threat posed by Michael Owen, and though the Liverpool man was relatively quiet against Sweden, he is prepared for the same spark that shocked the Argentine defence four years ago. He said: "My only plan is to be aware of his abilities and to deal with him."

But Sol Campbell's header on Sunday has highlighted England's aerial threat and Bielsa will be aiming to cut it out at source before that threat can be realised; "It is not only a question of stopping their players in the air, we have to make sure we address the problem at its root by not letting them get good crosses in. We know that will be tough."

But he also insisted his side would not change their normal quick-passing style, adding: "The most important thing for us will be possession of the ball. We have no choice but to play to our strengths - that is the right way."

And reflecting on England's second half display on Sunday when Sweden controlled possession and the match, he said "I don't see any reason why England can't adapt their game,''

Bielsa has made only one change to the side that started the second half against Nigeria, with Valencia's Kily Gonzalez replacing Claudio Lopez, though there are injury concerns over Juan Sorin and Ariel Ortega who have not been training normally for the past three days but Bielsa expects them to be fit for the huge showdown on Friday. Captain Roberto Ayala, who pulled a thigh muscle warming up for the match against Nigeria, will not being risked and Diego Placente retains his place in the back three.

The Argentina Starting XI; Pablo Cavallero, Mauricio Pochettino, Walter Samuel, Diego Placente, Javier Zanetti, Diego Simeone, Juan Sebastian Veron, Juan Pablo Sorin; Ariel Ortega, Gabriel Batistuta, Kily Gonzalez.