Martin Johnson: I will make England great again

But the 2003 World Cup-winning captain said he has "huge sympathy" for ousted head coach Brian Ashton as Rugby Football Union chief executive Francis Baron conceded mistakes had been made in the recruitment process.

It was also revealed Ashton is considering taking the role of RFU Academy chief and won't be taking legal action against the governing body over the manner of his sacking.

Johnson also confirmed that Ashton refused to take a No2 role in his new coaching set-up.

The former lock admitted he was putting his reputation on the line as he outlined his ambitions for the national team.

He said: "My vision is that we should be competing with the best in the world.

"At times we've been doing that, as we did in the World Cup Final last year, but at times we haven't.

"If you watch the rugby being played by very young players in the Premiership against some of the best players in the world, it's just tremendous. Part of the job is to create a culture, a team ethos. It's not rocket science.

"There is every chance, every possibility, we can beat most teams around the world."

Johnson also defended his suitability for the job after critics questioned his lack of coaching experience.

He said: "I fully understand the responsibilities and am aware I have no experience in coaching. But with the other people we have in place, we can get the job done.

"Since I've retired people have been asking me when I'm going to be coming back to sort it out.

"It's been good to get out of the game for a couple of years, but I'm really looking forward to getting involved again.

"A lot has been said by people I consulted about not wanting to ruin my reputation, but I'm not worried about that. I want people to think well of me but I'm not in this for ego."

Quizzed about the manner of Ashton's departure, Johnson said: "It's a little bit difficult. Brian made it clear he didn't want to be a No2 in the set-up. It might be a good idea to bring in some new blood and new ideas. Players do respond to good coaching.

"Of course I have sympathy for Brian, it's been very tough. I intend to speak to him this week."

Rob Andrew, the RFU's director of elite rugby who made the appointment, said: "I spoke to Brian this morning and he is very keen to continue working with the RFU. Hopefully we will sort that out. He asked me to say he will not be suing the RFU over this issue."