The 38-year-old doesn’t have the same problems in his coaching role with London Irish, who have one of the most exciting back-lines in the Guinness Premiership.

But the South African-born star maintains England have got the players to prove the critics wrong and believes Johnson should let them off the leash.

“England have the players and the potential to produce the goods – they just have to be given the freedom to play,” said Catt.

“I believe the players are good enough to express themselves but that freedom has got to come from Johnno. 

“They need to be able to go and express themselves and do what they are doing week in and week out for their clubs in the Guinness Premiership.

“If they do that then England are always going to be in with a good shout of scoring tries and winning matches and that’s what we all want to see.”