The future of Martin Johnson as coach of the England rugby union team remains unclear, with the side perceived to have underperformed at the 2011 World Cup following a quarter final exit at the hands of France.

England did not produce the type of rugby that had helped them to win the Six Nations championship earlier this year and some are calling for a change at the top, with Johnson now waiting to see if he has the backing of RFU.

However, according to Lewis Moody, it should come down to whether Johnson wants to continue as England coach. The former captain believes that his former Leicester team-mate is the ideal man for the job.

Moody told Sky Sports News: “It was less than a year ago that Johnno took us to our first Six Nations victory in seven yers.

“He has built this team and given a new lease of life to it. Young guys coming in… Ben Youngs, Dan Cole, Courtney Lawes, Chris Ashton, Ben Foden… all those guys he has brought in and they have really flourished in the international scene.

“I think to have a knee-jerk reaction and to get rid of him would be very wrong. Probably the bigger question is does Johnno want to continue? I really hope he does. He is definitely the man in my eyes to take us through to 2015.”

Posted: 09/11/11