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Johnson's England were knocked out in World Cup quarter-finals by France. Alastair Grant/AP/Press Association Images
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Going nowhere: Johnson set to remain as England manager

The ex-World Cup-winning captain looks likely to stay on as coach, but he will be forced to change the majority of his backroom staff.

ENGLAND COACH MARTIN Johnson looks set to remain in his job, despite the side’s mediocre performance at the Rugby World Cup.

The England squad faced problems both on the field and off it last month, as they laboured to a quarter-final finish.

However, the Daily Mail is reporting that Johnson will be required to cull his current coaching staff in order to remain in the position.

His backroom staff largely comprises of ex-Leicester colleagues currently, including John Wells (forwards), Graham Rowntree (scrum) and Australian Brian Smith (backs).

A board meeting will take place tomorrow in which operations director for the RFU, Rob Andrew, will give an update on Johnson’s position.

And speaking on Johnson’s future, Leicester coach Richard Cockerill absolved him from blame for England’s Rugby World Cup failure:

“The thing you have to admire about Johnno is that he doesn’t need the job. He took the job because he thought he could add something to it. He’s got a huge amount of rugby knowledge and it’s the things around which have let him down.”

Johnson’s future is not likely to be officially confirmed until after 17 November, when a review group will give their final recommendations.

For more information, read the Daily Mail>

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