Johnson rues missed chances

England team manager Martin Johnson says his side is moving in the right direction after their spirited display in the 19-6 defeat to New Zealand.

The hosts went into the half-time break on level terms with the All Blacks, but Jimmy Cowan's second-half try knocked the stuffing out of them as they failed to add another point.

However, the terrier-like performance of the pack spoke volumes for their respect for under-fire Johnson, who should now retain his position ahead of the Six Nations next year.

"I definitely think we are moving forwards," said the former England skipper. "That may not be reflected on the field and I can understand people who might disagree with that with what they have seen.

"But as a group they have been fantastic. I have mixed feelings because the players stuck at it and played well at times.

"But if you look at it we had the chance to put the All Blacks under pressure and we haven't taken it.

"There was a chance to be in the game. I'm not saying we could have ever have won it, but we had chances in that second half to be in the game.

"The breakdown was the big difference. They are very smart around the breakdown and that was the big difference in the end.

"They had players there that were always competing.

"It was one of those games where it is wet and when you get pressure on the opposition it can cause mistakes. It was who could nail the other team and in the end it was them. The try was the difference.

"I'm disappointed to concede a try like that."