WORCESTER'S Simon Whatling has been named as skipper for England's fifth-place play-off against host nation Argentina at the under-21 World Championships.

With regular captain Matt Cornwell rested for the clash, Whatling has been handed the responsibility of ensuring England do not crash to their third straight defeat in Argentina tomorrow.

"It means everything to me to pull on the white shirt of England, but to be named captain is extra special," said Whatling.

"I've been involved with the squad for quite a while now in the Six Nations and other tournaments and that probably helped.

"The coaches were probably looking for a bit of experience -- it's a massive honour for me in a very important game," said the Sixways centre.

England's World Championship bid started so positively with a win against Samoa, but straight defeats against France and South Africa saw them eliminated from the semi-finals.

But Whatling warned England are hell-bent on putting the record straight and beating the host nation in their own back-yard.

"The boys were really disappointed after the France game --we haven't fulfilled our potential in this tournament," added Whatling.

"We know we can play an awful lot better than we did in our last game against the French.

"Their number ten, Pau's Lionel Beauxis, had a great game. He pegged us back into our own half and never missed a kick and never looked like missing one.

"England against Argentina will be a great occasion -- it always is no matter what the sport.

"We have just tried to focus on ourselves and not anything else -- not Argentina or any outside things.

"It should be a great atmosphere and I'm sure the lads will respond to it."