English rugby entered a new era today, with Martin Johnson officially taking charge of the team and naming the 32 players he will rely on over the next 12 months.

Johnson was also expected to confirm London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith as England's new attack coach.

The squad was likely to include naturalised New Zealand Maori inside centre Riki Flutey, of London Wasps, as well as Leicester scrumhalf Harry Ellis, who has not featured for England since seriously injuring his knee before last year's World Cup.

While Rugby Football Union disciplinary boss Jeff Blackett is undertaking an inquiry into the behaviour of four players on the illfated tour of New Zealand, Johnson will have made his selections on merit alone.

England have been without a specialist attack coach for two years and senior centre Mike Tindall believes they have suffered as a result. During the recent tour he claimed England's strike moves were limited and standards were slipping.

But today is about more than Johnson's first official day in the office. It also marked the start of the new agreement between Guinness Premiership clubs and the RFU.

For a reported £146,000-per-man, the agreement provides England with unprecedented access and control over the top players. The squad will meet for a training camp in August and then be available for the autumn internationals and Six Nations with a weekend off before the first game.