Former captain Martin Corry has called on England's players to make Twickenham a fortress as he looks forward to an exciting new era for the national side under the stewardship of Martin Johnson.

England face the Pacific Islands on Saturday in Johnson's first game since he took charge in April. He will then face the more daunting task of an international triple-header against Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

"Over the years we have built up a fortress at Twickenham and that has come crumbling down a bit recently." said Corry. "Over the next few years we have to get that back so that all teams, regardless of their rank, come to Twickenham and know they are in for one hell of a game."

He added: "I think this is the start of a new era for English rugby,

"It is a very exciting time and I'm looking forward to seeing how he develops his side. It may take a week or two or it may take a year.

"He needs time to develop but it's important that he does it whilst winning. That's the hard thing."

Corry earned 64 England caps during a 10-year international career and was part of the team Johnson captained to World Cup glory in 2003.

He believes one of the main reasons behind that team's success was their unity, and has urged Johnson to be patient if his new side do not hit it off straight away.

"This is only the start. World Cups aren't won straight away," said Corry.

"You have to develop a side and a strategy and the only way you can do that is through continuity of players."