Johnson: Time to be clinical as France are a cut above Australia

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The 2003 winner believes this has been the best tournament yet, but told England's players they cannot afford any decrease their intensity.

"We need a bit more composure because when they look at the tape, they left two or three tries unscored against Australia," he said. "If we want to win the next one, they will have to score a couple of those."

Johnson, who called it a "privilege" to witness Saturday's stunning upset in Marseille, also believes England will not enjoy the same level of forward superiority they had over the Wallabies when they face the French.

"We are not going to dominate a team like France as quickly as we did Australia," he said. "They can scrummage, they are far more proficient, and any advantage will take time to get. It won't be as big as against Australia.

"They were poor scrummagers, but no team left in the tournament have that weakness."

Nevertheless, Johnson, who led England to victory in Australia four years ago, drew great encouragement from the manner of Saturday's win and the growing belief surging through the team.

"We had the burden of expectation in 2003 that this team don't have, but they have had an unsettled team and injuries to deal with," he told Radio Five Live.

"It would be a far more unexpected achievement if they reach the final. It is extraordinary, but it is extraordinary what has happened at this World Cup in general. I think it has already been the best World Cup ever, and I we have still got three games to go."