Johnson: No-nonsense approach

Johnson dismissed the notion that England are bereft of exciting talent, reeling off a list of red rose players he hopes will make an impact in New Zealand.

But ultimately he believes the Webb Ellis Trophy will go to the team that copes best with the pressure - both off the field and on it.

That places a significant question mark over hosts and favourites New Zealand, who have failed to live up to expectations at every World Cup since they won the inaugural tournament in 1987.

The All Blacks were beaten by South Africa and Australia in the recent Tri-Nations and star fly-half Dan Carter was quoted today urging the Kiwi public not to panic.

A sports psychologist claimed in the New Zealand Herald that the All Blacks choke because they cannot cope with the fear of failure.

"I don't think there is a certain style - there is a certain resilience that will win the World Cup," said Johnson.

"You have to deal with the pressure and expectation.

"The expectation on New Zealand will be huge, the expectation on South Africa as the defending champions, we have expectation from our public.

"World Cups are about pressure, dealing with it off the field, dealing with it on the field when you get into close games.

"Finding a way to win is what World Cups are about. If you talk about style, it is the team that can battle back and find a way to win a close game."

Asked whether New Zealand's recent defeats will affect them heading into the World Cup, he said: "If they let it (affect them).

"They are not used to losing. I am sure they will be very competitive despite a couple of losses.

"When you get to the World Cup it doesn't really matter what happened last game, last month, last year, it is about what happens on the day.

"We come in off a good win but when go into Argentina we have to start again and win that game from the first minute."

England's squad includes five players - captain Lewis Moody, Jonny Wilkinson, Steve Thompson, Mike Tindall and Simon Shaw - who were members of the 2003 World Cup-winning squad.

"You do need those older guys who have been there and done it," Johnson added.

Johnson is not usually drawn on individuals and he frequently scoffs at any talk of flair - but he railed today when asked whether England lacked excitement.

One of those to earn a positive name-check was Delon Armitage, who has clearly thrust himself into contention to face Argentina after a try-scoring performance at the weekend.

"I think we have a lot of exciting players," said Johnson.

"In the back three we have Ben Foden and Chris Ashton, who has come on the scene in the last year, and Delon Armitage is back in good form.

"Manu Tuilagi scored a couple of tries in his two Test matches. Matt Banahan has been around a couple of years and is a big exciting player.

"Jonny Wilkinson has done a bit. Toby Flood has played 10 for us for most of the last year and done very well. Ben Youngs is going to be fit.

"In the forwards, Matt Stevens is a dynamic prop, Andrew Sheridan is back in at loose-head, Steve Thompson is playing well. Courtney Lawes is a dynamic lock."

Johnson expects his brigade of walking wounded to be back in full training by Monday and fit for the Argentina game.

Moody and Ben Youngs both travelled to New Zealand with knee injuries while Mark Cueto suffered a back spasm in the victory over Ireland.

Tom Wood and Nick Easter both missed the Aviva Stadium game with calf problems and Mike Tindall was replaced before the end with a tight hamstring.

Simon Shaw arrived in Auckland today after his departure was delayed by a stomach bug.

"We expect them all to be fit to train fully, which means not being restricted in what they do, on Monday when we are in Dunedin," said Johnson.

England were greeted at Auckland airport by around 300 supporters and their arrival in New Zealand led the national news.

The squad spent the afternoon sailing an old America's Cup boat on Auckland harbour.

"It was a great welcome. It is like the countdown has started. The whole world of rugby is here," said Johnson.