I didnt think France would be able to control the game like they did and they were more than just three points better on the day. They have the makings of a very good side.

A lot has been said about the retirements and I think England have missed Martin Johnson enormously in the RBS 6 Nations.

I knew that was always going to be the case but it doesnt help when a number of players are not performing at the level they are capable of.

There was never going to be a seamless transition with retirements and injuries following the World Cup triumph, and we are now going through a difficult period.

But while I think it is fair that players have been criticised for poor performances, I have been surprised by some things that have been said and written about the team.

They won the World Cup just a few months ago and you dont become a bad player or team overnight. It has got to be balanced.

Meanwhile, I would personally still like to see a couple of positional changes. I think Jason Robinson should play on the wing and Josh Lewsey should play at full-back.

We have a tour to the southern hemisphere coming up this summer and we must regroup. We just cant afford to take a beating against either Australia or New Zealand because it would give everyone more confidence they can beat us.

It promises to be an interesting summer.