While Moody sat out the championship with a knee injury, Tindall led England to victory in their first four matches before missing the disappointing final match which cost them the Grand Slam in Ireland.

But Johnson is adamant that if Moody proves his fitness, he will lead England for their World Cup opener against Argentina.

“If he's fit he is England captain,” said Johnson of 32-year-old Moody.

“We couldn't get rid of him, could we? He's been around the team, as any experienced guy would be.

“It's been great to have him around for the whole group.

“He's an outstanding player. The whole way he conducts himself, the way he plays, the way he trains, what he is, is fantastic.

“Once a guy is that experienced, you know when you speak to him you're going to get the truth.

“But you can't be reliant on one guy. Mike's done a good job.

“Mike does it his way, Lewis does it his way, Nick - they're all different people. They're all good captains, outstanding leaders in their own right. But it's a very competitive team now.”