Former England captain and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Martin Johnson has delivered a blunt message to current skipper Maro Itoje — no one’s place in this team is safe.
Johnson, one of England’s most respected leaders, didn’t hold back when discussing the culture he believes should exist inside the national setup.
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“People think when you’ve been there for a long time, when you’ve got to 50 caps or whatever, you’re sitting there and you think you’re undroppable. No one’s undroppable at that level and that’s the way it should be.”
Speaking to The i, Johnson made it clear that this mindset must apply across the board — including the captain himself.
When asked directly whether that includes Itoje and the leadership group, Johnson’s response was emphatic:
“No one is untouchable.”
Context: England’s Six Nations struggles
Johnson’s comments come in the wake of a hugely disappointing campaign for England in the Six Nations Championship.
Despite opening with a dominant win over Wales, England’s tournament quickly unravelled:
Defeat to Scotland in the Calcutta Cup
Heavy home loss against Ireland
Historic defeat to Italy in Rome
Narrow but chaotic loss to France
A fifth-place finish has intensified scrutiny on both the squad and the leadership group, with Itoje at the centre of that conversation.
“Play well — that’s all that matters”
Johnson’s core message is simple: performance trumps status.
“What’s the best thing any player can do? Captain or no captain, it’s play well.”
Rather than focusing on hierarchy, Johnson emphasised the importance of internal competition — something he believes England currently lack.
“You’ve got to encourage that, as a player, because the next people coming through, you’ve got to encourage them to say you’ve got to play well and force your way into this team.”
For Johnson, a great squad is defined not by established names, but by relentless pressure for places.
“That’s when you’re in a great squad, because it’s super competitive, and that drives everyone on.”
A warning ahead of the World Cup
With the next Rugby World Cup fast approaching, Johnson also issued a reminder that reputations count for very little when tournament time arrives.
“Someone right up your backside for selection is the incentive. There are 18 months to go, and there’ll be some guys that we’ve never heard of will turn up and be stars in that tournament…”
“…and likewise guys we expect to be there who won’t be.”
It’s a clear warning shot — not just to Itoje, but to every England player.
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