New England boss Martin Johnson accepts he will be judged by the same criteria as any other coach as he begins the task of reviving the team's fortunes.

The World Cup-winning captain says his playing feats will cut no ice if England's form does not improve.

"I'm aware of the perception of what I'm expected to bring to the job but ultimately it comes down to how well we play on the pitch," he said.

"That's how I'll be judged. I'm here to make this team and the players better."

Johnson's official start to his new role comes after England's difficult tour of New Zealand where the team lost both Tests heavily and four members of the squad faced allegations of sexual assault.

The 38-year-old is revered for his achievements as a player in the sport, including leading England to the World Cup in 2003 and captaining two Lions tours, and he has lived up to his no-nonsense reputation by laying down the law over a new code of conduct for the squad.

606: DEBATE We finally have someone in the RFU who commands respect from every living rugby player and who understands how to win a World Cup Remember2003

"Any player who is not aware of his responsibilities - and the dangers of what can happen - is probably not bright enough to be in the squad.

"The allegations made against the England team were serious - we can't have that for our players, for our team, for our sport.

"It is not what we are about. The England team has never had it before and we should never have it again."

But Johnson said some positives would come out of the tour of New Zealand.

"All the personnel on the tour now know what it's like to play top-level Test match rugby," he said.

"Two matches against the All Blacks in Auckland and Christchurch is as tough as it gets. It's not going to get any more difficult for those guys than what happened in the second week of that tour."

KEY FACTS ON ENGLAND DEAL * On 1 July each year, three squads - at elite, Saxons and U20 level - of 32 players are selected * clubs get �146, 250 for each player named in the senior squad * players may be away from clubs for up to 14 weeks

"It's probably the toughest set of Test matches that any team I've ever been involved in has ever played," he said.

"That's the challenge in front of us and there's no point trying to shirk it - it's going to happen and we have to be ready."

The make-up of Johnson's first 32-man elite squad gave a clear indication of the style of play he envisages for his side under next season's Experimental Law Variations (ELVs), which are designed to increase the amount of time the ball is in play.

"A lot of thought and detail went into the squad," said Johnson.

"The ELVs were a factor: we will have to look at our line-out, which is why we went for (lock) Nick Kennedy.

Varndell's speed could make him a key player in the new regime

Former Australia coach Eddie Jones, now working in the English game as director of rugby at Saracens, said drastic action was needed to get England up to speed with the southern hemisphere sides.

"English rugby has gone backwards over the last four years," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"There are some very strong parts of the game, the scrum and line-out especially, but they don't take advantage of it and the attack is all over the shop."

Johnson's former Leicester, England and Lions team-mate Neil Back said the players would know exactly where they stand under the new regime.

"He'll be very honest with the players. He won't mince his words," said Back.

"The players will be clear where they stand in his thoughts and what they need to do to get into the 22 and how he's going to help them do that.

"He'll give them a clear direction on how he wants the game to be played and how he wants them to prepare."