England 'a long way from targets'

England have struggled to compete with the Tri-Nations teams

Fly-half Toby Flood admits England face a huge task to transform themselves into credible Six Nations challengers after a miserable autumn series.

Asked how they can turn things around after three heavy defeats to the Tri-Nations sides, he told BBC 5 Live: "It is going to be very difficult.

"We are where we are and realise we are a long way from where we want to be.

"The team has a huge amount of ambition and potential. But they are just words. We have to go away and work very hard."

Flanker James Haskell also admitted England have failed to make the progress they hoped for in their first series under manager Martin Johnson.

Saturday's 32-6 defeat by New Zealand, a record loss to the All Blacks at Twickenham, followed a record home defeat (42-6) by the Springboks a week earlier and a 28-14 defeat to Australia.

"We have got the ability and belief," said Haskell, who like Flood was one of four England players sin-binned on Saturday.

"It is the small inches that make the difference. I think we are moving forward. We have taken small steps but not the big strides we wanted."

606: DEBATE Am now convinced that last season's runner-up finish in 6N was a blip and that normal service (4th) will resume MonsieurleRoi

Johnson, who started his reign with a 39-13 victory over the Pacific Islanders three weeks ago, has plenty to ponder ahead of England's first Six Nations match at home to Italy on 7 February.

He has given Test debuts to six players over the course of the series - Delon Armitage, Ugo Monye, Riki Flutey and Nick Kennedy from the start, Dylan Hartley and Jordan Crane off the bench.

Under the Rugby Football Union's new agreement with the Premiership clubs, he has the option of changing up to five of his 32-man elite squad in January if he so chooses.

"We can make some changes if we think that is the right thing to do," he said. "But these are the best players.

We got what we deserved - Johnson

"It has been difficult for the guys. They didn't get the rewards they wanted, and frankly they haven't deserved it.

"We probably won't have as tough a run of games as that again but it has also been good; we have no illusions where we are and the players will be better for it.

"When you see the guys take the All Blacks on, the more you think it is worth the heartache and the pain to get there.

"If you can get there and win games then it is worth it. This is our first series together and we know we can improve."

You must give Martin Johnson space. It's not as if the team he's coaching is full of experience. Graham Henry

Johnson was backed up by his All Blacks counterpart Graham Henry, who fielded a starting side with 650 caps between them, compared to the 275 in England's starting XV.

"They had a very inexperienced side out there and they will get better," said Henry, who was head coach when Johnson led the British & Irish Lions for the second time in 2001.

Henry also pointed to his time as Wales coach, when he overcame a difficult start of three defeats in his first four games before overseeing 11 successive Test victories.

"It might be a similar situation for Martin," Henry added. "Maybe he needs patience.

"He's a man of high standards who achieved great things in the past. He was respected by his peers and led by example.

"But you must give him space. It's not as if the team he's coaching is full of experience. The media can kill him or support him."

• Generic Cialis
• Generic Levitra