Woodward not the answer

The RFU's director of elite rugby Rob Andrew continues to come under fire with his critics calling for Woodward – currently the British Olympic Association director of elite performance – to be brought in to replace him.

However, Johnson, who captained Woodward's men to World Cup glory seven years ago, believes that would not solve England's problems.

"There's always speculation when results don't come, and that's why there's talk now of Clive taking over Rob's job," said the England manager.

"Clive's got an important job to do at the BOA. He was heavily criticised after the Lions were heavily beaten on the 2005 tour to New Zealand. No-one was calling for him to come back to England then.

"Is it too simplistic to bring Clive Woodward back and think everything will be okay? Yes, of course it is. What will improve the team is continuity and trust in the players and management."

Johnson's position is not in danger despite a disappointing 18 months in charge. However, the 40-year-old insists he would walk away if he felt he was not up to the challenge. "Look, my record's clearly not good enough and England should be more successful than that," added Johnson. "International sport is brutal. If players don't play well they get dropped. If coaches or managers are perceived to be not doing a good job then someone else will come in and do it.

"Am I lucky to be still in the job? It's difficult to answer that. I report to Rob Andrew and he understands where the team were in terms of the lack of a core, or of leadership, and where it is now."