And it could prove one of the most exciting periods in English rugby history, with talent like Danny Cipriani, Shane Geraghty, Danny Care and Dylan Hartley ready to spearhead a red rose resurgence.

Johnson admitted: “It is a very exciting time.

“There are lots of very young guys playing in the Guinness Premiership with huge degrees of talent, skill and ability. They are playing in a very, very competitive league.

“A lot of countries around the world will envy the games these guys are playing. They are virtually knockout matches, and the guys have to cope with that pressure.”

Wasps fly-half prodigy Cipriani underlined his rich ability when he produced an outstanding full Test debut during England’s emphatic RBS 6 Nations victory over Ireland last month.

And Johnson added: “He is a fantastically talented player.

“He is 20-years-old, and he is playing for one of the top clubs in the Premiership. What an amazing thing.

“We have lots of these guys, and we need to put things in place so when they come to England they enjoy it, they want to come and play and do well.”

Johnson does not officially take charge until July 1, a date that coincides with the launch of a new eight-year agreement between the Rugby Football Union and their Premiership clubs.

Johnson’s first major challenge arrives during the autumn when England face quickfire Tests against the Pacific Islanders, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

He said: “We want to be successful as quickly as we can. The art of this thing is to win.

“We saw in the 6 Nations this season that England go to Scotland in terrible condition, and then play the next week in fantastic conditions.

“Style of play can depend on the weather, and often the game-plan you have worked on all week goes out of the window in the first five minutes.

“You have to find a way to win - it is about execution.

“Let’s be honest, some of the biggest games in recent times have been won on drop-goals, and no-one complains when they win.”