MARTIN JOHNSON will carry on as England boss until the next World Cup despite slipping to a third defeat in four games.
Martin Johnson still has the backing of RFU kingmakers but he will have to wield the axe on his backroom staff despite an improved performance in yesterday’s 19-6 defeat to the All Blacks.
Johnson and his RFU bosses will start a review into England’s autumn campaign within the next couple of weeks and it will be made clear to him that heads have to roll. Out will go defence coach Mike Ford and forwards coach John Wells, who have been working with the England squad since May 2006.
The Sunday Express understands that Johnson has been under pressure to freshen up his back room team since the summer but has remained loyal to both despite not getting results.
Attacking coach Brian Smith is safe for the time being despite England only scoring one try in the last three games.
Johnson is likely to wait until after Christmas to recruit replacements with Northampton Saint boss Jim Mallinder and his side kick Dorian West on his hit list. Johnson said: "I was proud of the effort because there has been a lot of criticism around all week.
"Steve Borthwick has done a tremendous job and it has to be said that all the leaders of the team have stood up and been counted in the whole series."[/b]
