Rio Ferdinand v Gabriel Batistuta

The Leeds defender has grown in stature during the World Cup campaign and looked comfortable in the draw against Sweden.

But he will need to be at the top of his game against Argentina's goal threat.

Although he is coming to the end of his career, Batistuta showed he still has something left in the tank when he scored his 10th goal in the finals with the winner against Nigeria.

Paul Scholes v Ariel Ortega

Although he never really got going in the opening game, the Manchester United ace remains a key player for England as he has the knack of scoring key goals.

With Nicky Butt likely to be in the line-up against Argentina, Scholes should have more freedom to attack.

With eight years international experience under his belt, Ortega is the heartbeat of a formidable Argentina side.

He never stops running and is always a threat.

Michael Owen v Walter Samuel

Owen made his name by scoring against Argentina four years ago and is England's best attacking option.

But he will need better service than he received against Sweden.

Samuel is the man who will have the task of stopping Owen.

He normally plays on the left of defence, but with influential team-mate Roberto Ayala missing through injury, the Roma player will have to marshal the back line.

Juan Sebastian Veron v David Beckham

Team-mates at Manchester Utd, Beckham and Veron will be plotting going head-to-head on Friday.

Beckham is the captain, talisman and key creator for England, and his fitness is essential.

Veron has been criticised in certain quarters for his performances in England this season, and that will give him extra incentive.