Johnson is mindful of the need to establish a squad capable of challenging in New Zealand in two years time but refuses to sacrifice results in process.

England appear to be making progress, with Saturday's 24-22 defeat by Argentina their first loss in four Tests, while exposing new players to international rugby.

Matt Banahan, Chris Robshaw, David Wilson, Tom May and Sam Vesty have all won their first caps this summer among 46 players who have appeared on senior England duty this season.

"We've always got be looking at the balance of winning the next Test match and the confidence that builds in the team against the World Cup,"  said Johnson.

"As a player and manager you have to see each Test match as an individual challenge.

"There's no point writing off a Test match to blood some players, you want to blood Test players and win."