Three years into the job and Martin Johnson will need to prove England have gone forward under his leadership. 2011 will be the perfect chance for Johnson's side to show exactly where they stand in world rugby, firstly in the Six Nations before the World Cup later on in the year. At the end of the year Johnson won't be able to talk about his transitional side still gelling together, those excuses won't wash if he can't push on from a pretty decent 2010.
It has emerged this week that the RFU have set Johnson target of finishing the Six Nations in the top-two as they look to lay down a solid platform to mount a World Cup challenge later down the line. The RFU's chief executive John Steele confirmed the target had been set to the England management in an interview with BBC's Sportsweek.
"Given we have three home games and some momentum from the autumn we believe finishing in the top two is realistic. Third or below would be disappointing given our current position," he said.
Last year's championship started perfectly for England, winning their opening two games against Italy and Wales before losing against Ireland, drawing with the Scots and going down to Grand Slam winners France. Johnson will be hoping to carry on the form his side have shown since last year's tournament which has included wins against Australia, home and away and a decent showing in the November tests. The rugby betting odds suggest they should challenge in the Six Nations.
2003 was the last time England lifted the Six Nations trophy and that is far too long for a country with the resources that the English have at their disposal. The RFU may say that at top two finish would suffice but plenty of the England fans will be looking for their side to win the competition and re-establish themselves as the northern hemisphere's dominant force.
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