Tom Croft defends England coach Martin Johnson

Flanker Tom Croft has labelled speculation over Martin Johnson's future as England manager "disgusting".

The Rugby Football Union have commissioned a review of their elite set-up, led by former England prop and RFU vice-chairman Fran Cotton, while Johnson has been given until next Monday to decide whether he wants to be considered as a candidate to continue in the role after a disappointing World Cup.

Questions over Johnson's future have been raised by RFU rugby operations director Rob Andrew - who will lead his own review into England's performance in the tournament - and former England captain Will Carling, but he has been supported by acting RFU chief executive Martyn Thomas and current skipper Lewis Moody.

And Croft today added his voice to the pro-Johnson camp, telling BBC Radio Leicester: "The fact people are questioning Johnno being manager is pretty disgusting.

"I think he is the ideal man for the job. I don't think any other team in the world has such a prominent figurehead. Hopefully he will decide to stick with the job."

England's World Cup campaign was haunted by controversies and ended with a 19-12 quarter-final defeat by France.

PA