Martin Johnson officially starts as England manager today  with the task of regaining credibility following on- and off-field poor showings by the national team.

Johnson's new sweep of the brush comes at an opportune time following two heavy defeats by New Zealand and players' accused of a serious sexual misdemeanor while on tour.

The players strongly deny the allegation of rape and/or sexual assault and no formal complaint has been made to Auckland police.

But the over-riding impression of the tour was that England, with the vast majority of the squad under 30, lacked leaders and lost respect.

Critics questioned players for drinking late into night after the first Test defeat and then allegedly bringing women back to the team hotel.

Johnson missed the tour because his wife, Kay, was giving birth to their second child and stand-in manager Rob Andrew bore the brunt of the criticism for what occurred in New Zealand.

AFP.

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