Martin Johnson 'is England's biggest problem'

Monday 15 March 2010
Published By: David Rawlings
Six Nations > England

The biggest problem facing England's national side is not a lack of talent or injuries to key players, but the head coach, one source has suggested.

Gavin Mortimer, writing for the First Post, said that the dull-as-dishwater draw with Scotland on Saturday typified Johnson's reign as England manager and highlighted how the former World Cup winning captain is "losing touch with reality".

Johnson claimed after the defeat that the core of a good team is coming together, but critics including England legend Lawrence Dallaglio pointed out that anything even approaching a good side would have picked up a win at Murrayfield last weekend.

"England lacked dynamism and a spark. Scotland were there for the taking but England didn't get out of the blocks," Dallaglio observed.

Johnson hit back at the claims by pointing out that people working in the media are paid to "say what they see" but Mortimer said this is hypocrisy on Johnson's part, as it was he who was calling for the head of Andy Robinson in November 2006 after a dreadful run of form.

The current coach's one chance of redemption appears to be a daunting trip to Paris on Saturday to try and halt France's march towards the Grand Slam, and although England have not been beaten by France in a competitive match since 2006, Mortimer feels that the tables are likely to be turned on Saturday night.

He concluded: "Given that the French are playing with confidence and elan a home victory is highly probable, and it could be a resounding one. Perhaps humiliation in Paris is the best way to solve a problem like Martin."

Posted by David Rawlings