Veron tussles with Jay Jay Okocha (Allsport).

Juan Sebastian Veron believes Argentina can virtually end England's hopes of World Cup glory as the two-times world champions began their quest for a third crown in commanding fashion.

Gabriel Batistuta's 56th goal of his 76-cap international career was all Argentina had to show for a dominant display, but it was one full of drive, energy, purpose and free-flowing football, signalling their intent to England and the other top nations.

Nigeria could not find any answers to the array of questions posed by tournament favourites Argentina at the Kashima Stadium in Ibaraki, and in particular the imposing figure of Veron.

Often derided for his uninspiring performances last season for Manchester United following his £28.1million move from Lazio in the summer, there is no doubt Veron is the focal point when he pulls on an Argentinian shirt.

Veron was given the captain's armband ahead of Roberto Ayala, and he wore it with pride and passion before surprisingly being substituted 12 minutes from time, after which it came as no surprise that Nigeria staged an ultimately fruitless revival.

But Argentina are firmly in the driving seat in the so-called 'Group of Death' as they top the standings following England's 1-1 draw with Sweden in Saitama which followed a few hours later.

England cannot now afford to lose to arguably their bitterest rivals in world football when the two heavyweights collide in the Sapporo Dome on Friday, otherwise they could be faced with the prospect of an early flight home.

Veron, who was also at the heart of a rousing, spirit-building chorus from the players and fans as the Argentinian coach made its way inside the stadium, is convinced he and his team-mates can call the tune against England.

"It was important to start with a win and we have won a great battle against Nigeria," stated Veron, who pulled the strings from the centre of midfield.

"During the 90 minutes we dominated the game and we deserved to win. I think we showed the world just how strong we are as a team.

"But there is still a long way to go because we are in a tough group, starting with what promises to be a hard game against England.

"Of course it is special because there is a lot of history between the teams, and people will now start to talk about it.

"It is a game I am sure England will be prepared for. They have plenty of good players with lots of pace, including David Beckham.

"I am pleased he is playing because he is a world class player and I like to test myself against the best."

Veron then added: "I feel we can still improve the team, and we will have to be at our best to beat England, but if we play like we did against Nigeria then I think we will win."

Batistuta, who will be fit to play against England despite limping off with a calf strain late on, grabbed the winner in the 63rd minute as he stooped to head home an inswinging Veron corner to the far post.

Like Veron, he firmly believes in the strength of the squad as he said: "We have shown we can deal with the pressure of being favourites, and that is quite something.

"But I believe we have a good team with plenty of character and hopefully we will go far in this tournament."

Coach Marcelo Bielsa was understandably concerned at the number of chances which went begging and feels there is room for improvement - which will be a concern to any team due to face the Argentinians.

"The margin of victory should have been bigger, which would have been justified and would have made us feel a lot happier," said Bielsa.

"But we are satisfied because it is a good victory from a very strong team. We have passed the first significant test."

Nigeria barely mustered a worthwhile opportunity and will do well to emulate their feat of reaching the second round, both in USA 94 and France 98.

But coach Adegboye Onigbinde is confident his squad can still qualify for the last 16 as he said: "Although we lost I was still very impressed with my boys.

"But the defeat means we will have to intensify our training and our preparation for the remaining two group matches.

"I'm sure losing this first match will motivate us to work harder because we now know we have to win those two games if we are to stay in the competition."