Newcastle fly-half Wilkinson was on Monday appointed skipper for the November Tests against Canada, South Africa and Australia.

And Johnson, who captained England to World Cup glory last year, believes Wilkinson will have plenty of help on the pitch.

If the guys are not behind you then you have got no chance but the good thing about this England team is that there is a lot of pride and togetherness.

The best Jonny, or any captain, can do is to play well and the others will back him up 100%.

Wilkinson succeeds Lawrence Dallaglio, who retired from international rugby five weeks ago, and faces a tough baptism inspiring an England side on the slide.

But Johnson insists there is still enough experience within the England ranks to rally round Wilkinson.

There is a good core of experienced players around him to help him out, said Johnson.

Jonny is Jonny and will do it (the captaincy) his way but its about the team and the core of this team has been around for four or five years - the likes of Grewcock, Kay, Vickery and Thompson.

Wilkinson, promoted to English rugbys top playing post just four months after his 25th birthday, has scored 817 points in 52 Tests, highlighted by the dramatic drop-goal strike that gave England World Cup glory against Australia last November.

It is the ambition of so many players to one day be captain of England, and I have realised a dream, he said.

I am honoured Andy (caretaker national coach Andy Robinson) wants me to be his captain, and to follow Lawrence and Martin means a lot to me as they are inspirational men who have given so much to England rugby over many years.

Getting my first cap against Ireland six years ago was something I will never forget, because to play for your country is very special.

Taking on the captaincy is another important step in my career, and I do so with immense pride.