England will aim to top the early FIH Pro League men’s standings over Christmas as Sam Ward netted a double to mark his 100th cap in a 3-1 win over Argentina.
Ward, 33, scored twice in the first two minutes from set piece penalty corners to give Zak Jones’ side the early initiative against Los Leones.
Argentina’s Agustin Machelett hit a post before Zach Wallace increased England’s cushion after linking with Tom Sorsby.
Tomas Domene scored for Argentina from a penalty corner late in the third quarter, but England were too good as they recorded a second win from their opening three Pro League games.
It was England’s second win in three days over the hosts in Santiago del Estero.
England will face Ireland again at the same venue at 21:30 on Saturday (00:30 GMT, Sunday) and will top the table over Belgium with a win.
In the women’s Pro League, the Netherlands will go top if they beat Germany and Argentina in their final two games before the winter break. China currently lead the standings.
