Despite losing 19-6 to New Zealand and 18-9 to Australia in a disappointing end to 2009, only Jimmy Cowan, Will Genia and Adam Ashley-Cooper were able to breach the Red Rose defence.

And with England’s first opponents Wales failing to cross the whitewash in autumn defeats to Australia and New Zealand, Johnson is backing his side to shut up shop at Twickenham on February 6.

“I think our defence was very, very good during the autumn series against some formidable opposition,” said Johnson, speaking at the RBS 6 Nations launch at the Hurlingham Club.

“I think we have improved very well on that front and it is something we will look to carry into the Six Nations.

“If we can increase our try count, which is the hardest part, then we will win more games than we lose.”