Johnson's body may decide future for him

As Martin Johnson considers his international future, his former international team-mate Martin Bayfield believes the big man's body might not be up to the task for much longer.

Johnson is reported to be ready to confirm that the Rugby World Cup final victory over Australia in Sydney was his last-ever appearance for his country. Bayfield toured with the Lions to New Zealand in 1993 and played alongside Johnson in England's 1995 Grand Slam side and at the World Cup in South Africa.

The lock, capped 31 times, hailed Johnson as the "best" captain to lead his country but said: "When Martin Johnson was made captain, people said he was the wrong man for the job, he was too aggressive and unpredictable. He has curbed that and ended up leading England to a World Cup. He is the most successful, and best, captain England have ever had.

"If he was fit, healthy and raring to go, I think he would play for another 20 years. But I would imagine that that body of his - shoulders, hips, knees, neck, everything - is probably hanging on by a thread."

Johnson's immediate predecessor as captain, Lawrence Dallaglio, said he would love to regain the position "without a doubt". However, he added: "I'm fairly realistic and philosophical about it. Form is going to be the most decisive factor in any decision."

But Bayfield believes the Rugby Football Union must look to a younger man. "I think Ben Kay would be an excellent England captain, Phil Vickery would be as well," he said. "I am sure Kay has learnt a hell of a lot from Martin Johnson."

No decision is expected from Johnson until after Leicester's second-round second-leg Heineken Cup match against Ulster on Saturday.

Johnson was, meanwhile, due to collect the Pat Marshall Memorial Award at the Rugby Union Writers' Club annual dinner at the Cafe Royal in London.