Back has led England in four Tests

Johnson is expected to announce his Test retirement shortly, with Dallagio admitting he would love to regain the post he had to relinquish in 1999.

And Back said: "Lawrence has made no secret that he'd like to do it again.

"But the same applies to me. I have a 100% record as England captain. I would love to do the job again."

Another favourite to take up the captain's armband, Saracens flanker Richard Hill, believes it is much too soon to start thinking about replacing Johnson.

"As far as I'm concerned Johnson is still captain," Hill told the official Saracens website.

"I did enjoy my game as captain against the New Zealand Barbarians.

"But I understand that there is a great deal of difference between that game and a series of full Test matches and I know that there is a significant step up."

Back, 35 next week, has led England in four Tests when Johnson has been unavailable, and has taken over from Johnson as Leicester captain this season

And the Leicester flanker confirmed that regardless of Johnson's decision, he is keen to prolong his own England career.

I would pick Vickery he is still relatively young at 27, has captained England before and is a natural leader From Dex Williams Have your say on Scrum V

England coach Clive Woodward has stated he will only pick players for the Six Nations Championship who will also be available to tour New Zealand and Australia this summer.

"I think Clive is right because it's a big tour, England going down to the southern hemisphere as world champions," Back told the Daily Mirror.

"But I am available for both the championship and the tour."

Back's declaration follows Dallaglio's admission that he would be delighted to resume the captaincy he held for two years until drug allegations forced him to step down in 1999.

"I'm fairly realistic and philosophical about it," he told The Guardian. "Form is going to be the most decisive factor in any decision.

Analysis: Who will replace Johnson as captain?

"You have to be playing well which is why I'm thrilled to be in a winning Wasps side. They're giving me the platform to play well.

Dallaglio added: "From any new captain's perspective the most important factor is to be on form himself, and to ensure the whole team is prepared for the next game."

England coach Clive Woodward is also believed to be considering the captaincy merits of Jonny Wilkinson, Phil Vickery and Matt Dawson.