Johnson has more work that first thought

Martin Johnson's England come off the back of three successive defeats as the Autumn Internationals came to a disappointing close.

Defeats to Australia, World Champions South Africa and New Zealand have left Johnson will a real problem ahead of next years Six Nations Championship.

The manner of the defeats will be hard to take for the new manager as they have been thoroughly outplayed from start to finish.

The side's indiscipline is most shocking stat of all as they have seen penalty after penalty conceded, as they slip to fifth in the World rankings.

Now after only four games, it's unfair to judge Johnson just on these performances.

We know full well how difficult it can be to build a side, but lots of work has to be done after Christmas to ensure England aren't overwhelmed when they take on the home nations in Feburary.

They are in danger of finishing with the wooden spoon if there form doesn't improve and especially if they don't improve their discipline.

The players are certainly there. Nick Easter, Toby Flood and Paul Sackey are all fine players for their club, but transferring the form internationally has been a problem.

Danny Cipriani is still looking for fully fitness, but he in-particular has been poor and he will do well to be selected in Johnson's squad for the Six Nations.

But more importantly Johnson has learn't that this job is no walk in the park, and that serous work has to be put in before he can start reaping any sort of reward.