Martin  Johnson has rubbished concerns over a lack of leadership in the England side – despite their second-half collapse against Scotland.

Leading 31-0 with just over half an hour on the clock, Eddie Jones’ side were forced to settle for a share of the spoils in the Six Nations curtain call after Scotland fought back to secure a draw.

The result was the biggest comeback in international rugby history, with replacement fly-half George Ford further sparing England’s blushes with a last-gasp try to secure the draw.

Much of the focus in the aftermath of the collapse centred on a perceived lack of leadership in the England camp, as skipper Owen Farrell was hauled off following a series of costly errors.

But Johnson, who captained England to Rugby World Cup glory back in 2003, instead pinpointed poor game management as the main reason for the sharp turnaround in fortunes.

"It's an easy thing to say when things don't go your way,” said Johnson, speaking on behalf of Land Rover.

"People weren't saying that when they beat Ireland away and it's mainly the same players.

"To lose a lead of 31 points is almost impossible to believe but it's happened but they need to look and it and make sure it never happens again.

“That shouldn't happen, you should never let a game get out of control like that.

"The players have to change things and feel things during the game. They've shown that the kicking game is there, but it doesn't have to be all one thing or another.

"When the chance comes to handle the ball, you can take it. They did that against Ireland but not against Wales. It doesn't always come off how you want it to come off. Hopefully they'll be a better team for the experience."

Final day victory in Cardiff against Ireland secured Grand Slam glory for Wales, with England a place further back in second.

That represented a sharp improvement on the previous year, where the Red Rose finished a disappointing fifth.

And Johnson believes Jones’ side are on the right path ahead of September’s big World Cup kick-off in Japan.

He added: "They went to Ireland and played the game in a different way, they kicked the ball and they did that well. They played a pressure game, put them under pressure and did that well away from

home.

"The good thing from England's point of view is that they've had some players come in and play well. Guys like Tom Curry, Billy Vunipola has stayed fit. With Underhill, maybe they've got a little bit more depth in the back-row now.

"Jonny May played well and at times against Ireland did some things that you wouldn't associate him with doing. Henry Slade played well so you start getting a bit more depth and a bit more choice.

"There's a reasonable amount of depth in the team.

"The hardest thing to do is change what you're doing mid-course and maybe in that Wales game and maybe you think actually 'we need to hold onto that ball a little bit more'.

"There was definitely some good stuff and bit that weren't so great.

“But the good thing is that there's a lot of improvement in them.”

  • Martin Johnson is a Land Rover ambassador. Land Rover shares and understands the values of rugby. @LandRoverRugby