The England boss was proud of the way his side responded to a proverbial “kick in the nuts” by picking themselves up off the floor to finish second in the table.

England’s miserable autumn, which included a record 42-6 home defeat to South Africa, and disappointing start to the RBS Six Nations had seem them plummet to a worst ever world ranking of eighth.

But Johnson told his men that home victories over France and Scotland are only the start of a long journey back to the top table of world rugby.

“There is no way we are anywhere near where we think we can get to as a group,” said Johnson.

“You have to improve, you have to set new standards. In no way are we satisfied with what we’ve done. Sometimes it didn’t feel like (we deserved) second place.

“We are just getting started and can improve on every area of what we do - on the field, tactically, with our skills and fitness. There are some guys who are where they need to be at a world-class level and some who aren’t.

“Having a world-class level of fitness is a pre-requisite. Decision-making under pressure is more difficult when you are fatigued. Ireland won the Grand Slam by finding a way to win those close games.

“There are definitely improvements we can make in that area but we are further along the road. We have made big strides as a team in terms of what we’re trying to do.

“We showed a large amount of improvement through the tournament. There is a lot more to come from that squad.”

Johnson’s hands-on reign as England manager has yielded four wins from nine Tests but only the 34-10 triumph over France was against a side ranked higher in the world.

That win eased the pressure that had built up on Johnson’s regime through the autumn and a start to the RBS Six Nations that included a laboured win over Italy and successive defeats away to Wales and Ireland that were peppered with ill-discipline.

But Johnson insisted he never regretted his decision to take charge of England - and put his lofty reputation as World Cup-winning captain on the line.

“That’s what it is about. You can live your life on a level playing field if you want but if you get involved in high-level sport you are going to get a kick in the nuts occasionally,” he said.

“That’s what happens as a player, it’s part of it. When you sit back and look at what we’ve been through I’m pretty proud of how we’ve handled ourselves because it’s been tough at times.

“When we were heavily beaten at home to South Africa it was pretty difficult but things are never as bleak as people think they are.

“I was confident we had a good group of players who could bounce back. We kept faith with a core of guys who responded and never ever stopped working hard.

“It’s why you get involved. Sitting in the changing rooms in Cardiff and Dublin is disappointing, but then you get the good times.”

Johnson was appointed to replaced Brian Ashton - who had guided England to the World Cup final and their best RBS Six Nations finish since 2003 - despite boasting no coaching or managerial experience.

It was a rod the critics were ready to beat him with had England failed completely in the RBS Six Nations but Johnson believes he is growing into the role of management.

“You learn to deal with so many different responsibilities in terms of selection and things like that,” said Johnson.