Johnson rules himself out

Johnson: Not ready to become England manager

If I ever got involved as manager of England then I'd want to do it with a bit of experience behind me. This is not the right time for me. If Rob (Andrew) were to call me now then I'd tell him the same thing.

Martin Johnson
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World Cup-winning skipper Martin Johnson has dismissed speculation linking him to the role as England team manager.

Johnson's name is believed to be in the frame for the role, with Sir Clive Woodward and Leicester chief executive Peter Wheeler both backing the inspirational forward.

And with the RFU's elite director Rob Andrew holding a review into the England set-up and the performance of coach Brian Ashton, there seemed to be an opening for Johnson.

However the 37-year-old has moved to distance himself from any position, claiming he is not ready for such a high-profile role.

He said: "If I ever got involved as manager of England then I'd want to do it with a bit of experience behind me.

"This is not the right time for me. If Rob were to call me now then I'd tell him the same thing.

Assuming

"There's a perception that I'll turn up and everything will be all right.

"When things are going badly for England the coaches will not tell the players anything different to what I'd tell them.

"People are assuming I could walk back in - but it doesn't work like that.

"There's nothing to say that, because you've played at the top level you'll make a good coach or manager.

"I would never be arrogant enough to presume I could be a national team coach or manager without any experience."

As well as Johnson, South Africa's World Cup-winning chief Jake White and Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards have been linked to a role assisting the England set-up.

However, Johnson has insisted the RFU must ensure whoever they hire can oversee the transition in the England side.

Important

He said: "It's a very important time right now, and England must make the correct choice.

"The guy in charge must manage the transition of the team.

"A lot of the guys who played in the final will not be around in 18 months' time.

"England must stay successful, keep the team confident and manage the young guys coming in - because there's talent there.

"It's difficult for a talented youngster to come into a team that's unsuccessful.

"It's much easier if there's a little bit of experience around you, a bit of know how and a winning team."