England v Romania: Johnson relishing England’s World Cup challenge

Johnson’s contract expires in December and he agreed with former Rugby Football Union chief executive John Steele that no discussions over a new deal would begin until after the showpiece event in New Zealand.

Steele has since been drummed out of Twickenham but Johnson’s stance remains the same – the job is “addictive” but he will not be rushed into making a decision.

“I haven’t thought about (my future). We’re just here trying to win a tournament. It’s not an issue,” said Johnson.

“I’m very happy with the situation and the World Cup doesn’t change anything.”

Johnson captained England to World Cup glory in 2003 but he has found the pressure on his shoulders as a manager to be varied and challenging.

Over the last fortnight, Johnson has had to answer questions on bungee-jumping, boozing, dwarf-racing, royals, summit meetings, suspensions and injuries – all while preparing England to face Romania tomorrow.

“There’s never a dull day,” Johnson said after putting England through their final paces at the Otago Stadium.

“Being coach is a different pressure (to being a player).

“It’s enjoyable isn’t it? It’s what we’re here for in a World Cup.

“World Cups are about pressure – handling it, dealing with it, reacting to it the right way. It’s why you get into it.

“We know what it’s all about. On and off the field, we’ve had some things to deal with and we’ve dealt with them.

“It’s been good, I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been a good World Cup.”

Johnson’s record since taking hands-on charge of England in the autumn of 2008 is 19 wins from 35 Tests, including a Six Nations title and back-to-back triumphs over Australia.

And England captain Lewis Moody yesterday built a strong case for why Johnson should continue as the figurehead of English rugby.

“Johnno’s been incredible,” said Moody.

“The strides that we have made as a team have been clear for all to see from the wins that we’ve had.

“It’s never been perfect, but over the years the form and the continuity of form we’ve had – you know, winning the Six Nations, those wins over Australia – have all been down to his leadership and the team he’s put together.

“I don’t just mean the team on the pitch but behind the scenes as well.”

With Steele now gone having failed to appoint a performance director, Martyn Thomas is acting chief executive while Rob Andrew oversees the England structure.

Johnson will report back to them after the World Cup – but, ultimately, it is clear the decision will be down to him.

Thomas, who charged Andrew with recruiting Johnson after the 2007 World Cup, has already opened the way for him continue if he wants to.

Speaking in July, Thomas said: “”Martin is such an honest assessor of his own performance that he will judge himself after the World Cup. He will turn around and say he is pleased with what he has done and he is staying or that, because he is very self-critical, that he is not happy.

“I will have no problem in sitting down with Martin after the World Cup and resolving his position in the interests of England and the coaching team.”

England’s attack coach, Brian Smith, is also out of contract in December while forwards specialist John Wells, scrum guru Graham Rowntree and defence mastermind Mike Ford are on rolling deals.

Meanwhile, England will make a final decision over Nick Easter’s Rugby World Cup future tomorrow, Johnson has confirmed.

Easter missed the 41-10 victory over Georgia after suffering a lower back injury and he remains sidelined for today’s Pool B clash with Romania.

Leicester No 8 Thomas Waldrom has been flown out to Dunedin and is on stand-by to replace Easter if he fails to recover.

Johnson said Easter was “progressing” but a final call will have to be made tomorrow, when England travel to Auckland to begin preparations for their decisive showdown with Scotland.

“Nick’s progressing. We’ll see where we are after Saturday,” said Johnson.

“Nick’s not had this injury before, it’s just one of those where we’re hoping he’s going to be good to go next week.

“All the signs are he will be. It looks good but these things are day to day. We’ve got to (make a decision) after the game.”