Johnson feels England have progressed since dismal defeats last November

England manager Martin Johnson insists that his squad has improved markedly since he took over a year ago.

Saturday's 24-22 defeat in Argentina was the sixth in 11 Tests since Johnson took the reins, but he claims England have moved on from where they were.

"We understand what we're trying to do on the field and it's certainly far better than in the autumn," he said.

"You always hope to be further than you are but we've made significant strides as a team. I really do believe that."

The scale of the task facing Johnson was apparent last November when England suffered a series of Twickenham defeats against Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

However, he has now presided over three victories in their last four Tests, while trying to integrate new players to the pressures of Test rugby.

And Johnson, who replaced Brian Ashton last July, feels the progress is tangible.

A lot of guys have come through - as a squad we've moved on Martin Johnson

"It got better through the Six Nations and that was clear in our performances and results, the French game in particular," he said.

"But generally we're improving, as is the confidence of the players and the belief they have in themselves."

Several players, such as winger Matt Banahan and full-back Delon Armitage, along with Lions trio Tom Croft, Ugo Monye and Riki Flutey, have made their full international breakthroughs under Johnson.

And the coach is confident that a blend of new recruits and experience is the way forward, especially after wins over Italy, France and Scotland in the Six Nations.

"A lot of guys have come through, others too like Tom Croft, Danny Care and Matt Banahan. As a squad we've moved on," added Johnson.

"It certainly helped having experienced guys like Mike Tindall, Joe Worsley and Mark Cueto playing for us in the Six Nations.

"Delon Armitage wasn't even in the 64 at the start of the year yet has played in all the Tests and scored five tries.

"You do need that experience around the younger guys if you are to be successful."

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Johnson's next task is to examine reports and videos of the Churchill Cup with a view to handing the names of the elite player squad and Saxons party to the Guinness Premiership clubs on 1 July.

"We now know a lot more about the players than last year. It's about making the call on where we think we'll be in November," he explained.

"The laws have changed again and that will have an impact. The maul was quite a factor in the France v New Zealand game on Saturday, for example.

"We'll meet over the next two or three weeks and review everything.

"Some good players are going to miss out because there are only 32 places but people get hurt and opportunities arise.

"We've said to the guys don't be too worried about not being in the squad on 1 July, worry about playing well in September.

"If they do that they're in the frame for the squad. Their chance will arise."

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