Cyber Monday Deal: Up to 60% off InvestingProCLAIM SALE

Experience key to England's winning run, says Johnson

Published 29/11/2016, 12:26
Experience key to England's winning run, says Johnson

LONDON (Reuters) - Eddie Jones's rampant England side are benefiting from the experience in their ranks and have the potential to emulate the team that won the 2003 World Cup, according to former captain and coach Martin Johnson.

Victory over Australia on Saturday in their final autumn international would stretch England's winning run to 14, equalling the record set by Johnson's side.

They are the only unbeaten nation in the world this year.

"You've got a group now who have been around for a couple of World Cups, and have got a lot of caps," Johnson, who was head coach from 2008 to 2011, told the BBC.

"Players like Ben Youngs and captain Dylan Hartley have 50 caps-plus, so they are getting into the part of their careers when they are at their peak."

Scrumhalf Youngs and hooker Hartley, who was made captain by Jones, were both handed their international debuts by Johnson.

Australian Jones took over with England's fortunes at a low ebb after being knocked out of their home World Cup in the pool stages last year.

They have since completed a Six Nations grand slam and a series whitewash in Australia before wins over South Africa, Fiji and Argentina over the past month.

"They have had some disappointments like we all do, and you either fall away or use them to motivate yourself," Johnson, added. "I hope they are enjoying what they are doing.

"When you are winning it does create that momentum of good fun and everyone wants to be in the group.

"We still need more players to come through and really hit that world-class level, and when you have a squad of 20-plus guys like that, you have a chance to really do something."

With a British and Irish Lions tour of world champions New Zealand next year, Johnson hopes England will provide a sizeable contingent in Warren Gatland's touring party.

"It's a Lions year and it would be great to see a whole chunk of Englishmen go on that tour," he said.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.
© 2007-2024 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.