Prominent figures such as Sir Clive Woodward and Leicester chief executive Peter Wheeler have demanded Johnson's elevation to the England set-up.

Director of elite rugby Rob Andrew is conducting his review into the World Cup, with the future of head coach Brian Ashton still uncertain.

Johnson is not under consideration in a coaching capacity but could fill the role of team manager if Andrew decided to create the position.

Installing such an inspiring figure to the national set-up - Johnson led England to World Cup glory in 2003 - would be universally welcomed.

But the 37-year-old, currently a popular figure on the corporate circuit, insists he does not possess the credentials for the role.

'If I ever got involved as manager of England then I'd want to do it with a bit of experience behind me,' he said.

'This is not the right time for me. If Rob were to call me now then I'd tell him the same thing.

'There's a perception that I'll turn up and everything will be all right.

'When things are going badly for England the coaches will not tell the players anything different to what I'd tell them.

'People are assuming I could walk back in - but it doesn't work like that.

'There's nothing to say that, because you've played at the top level you'll make a good coach or manager.

'I would never be arrogant enough to presume I could be a national team coach or manager without any experience.'

Johnson indicated a coaching position with England would be out of the question until he had gained some hands-on experience at a lower level.

'It's an easy perception that I should get involved after everything that I achieved in 2003, and the rest of it,' he said.

'But if I wanted to get involved in coaching I wouldn't go straight in at international level. I'd try and get some coaching experience first.

'It's one thing to have knowledge and experience, but the art of coaching is different. I have no coaching experience.'

If Johnson does ever go into coaching he will do it because he is properly committed to the job.

'You've got to have the passion to want to get involved, he said.

There's no point doing it half-heartedly.

'When I get that feeling I'll look at getting involved.

'Coaching is a difficult job. I got involved in the game to play, and that's what I enjoyed doing.

'I didn't get involved with the long-term view of being a coach at any stage.'

Andrew is expected to announce the findings of his review next month when he will detail the changes to the back-room staff, if any.

Ashton looks set to continue for the RBS 6 Nations, with Andrew himself possibly taking a more prominent role to relieve some of the pressure on his coach.

Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards continues to be touted as a possible addition to the management team, but South Africa boss Jake White has faded from contention.

Whoever Andrew opts for, Johnson declared it is crucial the former England fly-half gets it right as the ageing national side enters a transitional phase.

'It's a very important time right now, and England must make the correct choice, he warned.

The guy in charge must manage the transition of the team.

'A lot of the guys who played in the final will not be around in 18 months time.

'England must stay successful, keep the team confident and manage the young guys coming in - because there's talent there.

'It's difficult for a talented youngster to come into a team that's unsuccessful.

'It's much easier if there's a little bit of experience around you, a bit of know how and a winning team.'