Johnson has been in the role for three and half years and his record over the 38 games as coach has seen 21 wins, 16 defeats and 1 draw. This decision was on the cards, as Johnson struggled to get any consistency from the team, but I was betting on him leaving a bit later down the line.

Sportsbook operators would have been grateful for the team’s performance in the World Cup. The England squad had a depressing World Cup that ended with France beating them in the Quarter Finals. In addition, we have had a number of ‘instances’ off the pitch which didn’t help matters.

Mike Tindall (captain during the World Cup) was removed from the squad and fined £25,000. Chris Ashton and James Haskell were given suspended £5000 fines after making inappropriate comments to a female working at the hotel. In addition, Manu Tuilagi was fined £3000 for jumping off a ferry at Auckland Harbour.

Although Johnson stated there was no one reason that made him come to his decision; I suspect the entire performance of the England team - on and off field - was the main reason. As a player, Johnson was one of the best; but as a manager, he has not come up to scratch. This has been voiced by quite a few people including Guscott; and in fact, the RFU was in the process of reviewing Johnson’s position.

Diehard English supporters can still have a bet with Bet365 on England winning the next World Cup (2013). The online betting operator has England third favourites to win outright at 15/2; with Australia being favourites at 2/7 and New Zealand second favourites at 4/1.