Autumn internationals: Lancaster wants England improvement

England must improve on their display against Argentina if they are to challenge New Zealand at Twickenham next Saturday, says Stuart Lancaster.

The Pumas were beaten 31-12 but head coach Lancaster expects a sterner test against the world champion All Blacks.

"We know we have got to step up," he said. "To beat New Zealand you've got to hit that for 80 minutes.

"While I'll be working to improve, I'm not too disappointed with this performance."

England led 24-6 at half-time through tries from Joe Launchbury, Billy Twelvetrees and Chris Ashton but they were only able to add one converted try after the break, with Ben Morgan touching down late on.

England's 30-3 defeat by Wales in the Six Nations decider last March is their only loss in 2013 and despite failing to score more points against Argentina, Lancaster is positive about his side's prospects against New Zealand.

"We know that in any day, in any game, there are momentum changes and momentum swings," he continued.

"We've got a lot to build on and there are a lot of positives. We've now won eight of our last nine games and we are moving in the right direction with a young team."

Lancaster said that controlling the game will be key for his side when they face the All Blacks, who have won all 11 of their internationals this year and have only lost one of their last 25 Tests - against England at Twickenham in 2012 - since winning the 2011 World Cup.

"Defensively we were excellent against Argentina, but game management is where we need to concentrate most," Lancaster added. "Win or lose next week depends on who manages the game best.

"We know we've got to improve in certain areas for next week but the positives far outweigh the negatives."

England hooker Dylan Hartley is relishing meeting the All Blacks, who lost 38-21 on their visit to Twickenham in December 2012.

"The good thing about this game next week is we can treat it as a one-off, there is nothing after that," said the Northampton player.

"We can go all out for it and the result is all that matters to us."

Wingers Christian Wade and Marland Yarde, who both missed the meeting with Argentina with injury, will be assessed ahead of next Saturday's game, the last of England's three Autumn internationals.