Johnson defended his coaches after Saturday's defeat by New Zealand

The chairman of the Rugby Football Union has confirmed Martin Johnson will continue to manage England for the next two years into the 2011 World Cup.

England lost two of their three autumn Tests, to Australia and New Zealand, but beat Argentina in between.

Martyn Thomas told BBC Radio 5 live he had "every confidence" in Johnson, whom he dubbed an "outstanding man".

"He has my confidence to continue and carry on," said Thomas. "He will lead us into the 2011 World Cup for sure."

After Saturday's 19-6 defeat by New Zealand at Twickenham, England's only try in the three matches was by Bath wing Matt Banahan against Argentina in the scrappy 16-9 victory.

Every other England point in the three games, the third being Australia's 18-9 win at the start of November, has come from the boot of Jonny Wilkinson.

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Critics have been swift to lambast England's style of play come victory or defeat.

Former captain Will Carling is the latest to home in on the lack of tries, branding England "static and predictable" despite a more passionate, determined performance against New Zealand.

"I wanted to see some passion from England, wanted to see some real commitment, some intent. I think we saw that in defence for the first time," said Carling.

"It was a very brave and fiery performance by England but in attack we are way off the mark at the moment.

"Our attacking platform is very, very static, very slow, and we are so predictable, that's the bit that worries me.

"There don't seem to be any decoy runners, any change of pace, any change of angle - it's almost like we're playing some very basic rugby and, at Test level, it's not good enough."

But Thomas was standing by his man as he spoke to the BBC's Sportsweek programme on Sunday.

I'm perfectly comfortable that Martin Johnson is the right man Martyn Thomas RFU Chairman

"This is a guy who doesn't walk away from things," he said of Johnson, who has overseen six wins and eight defeats from his 14 Tests in charge.

"He's an excellent man-manager. He was a great captain on the field and is an outstanding man."

On the back of Saturday's defeat, Johnson took time to defend his coaches, who have recently come under fire for their part in England's underwhelming displays.

"I'm happy with the coaching team. Considering what they've been through, they've done a brilliant job," Johnson said. "Absolutely this is the team I want for the Six Nations."

And Thomas does not expect Johnson to make changes, adding: "Martin has made it clear he is happy with his coaching team.

"He is getting on and doing the job and we can be satisfied with Saturday. Martin is a winner.

"I'm perfectly comfortable that he is the right man. If he decides he wants to do something then so be it, we'll back him.

"We don't go around firing coaches. We tend to sit back and look at what's happening."

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