Former British and Irish Lions coach Sir Ian McGeechan has backed under-fire England rugby boss Martin Johnson.

England suffered a 27-17 defeat to Australia in Perth on Saturday and Johnson's record since being appointed coach in 2008 now shows just eight wins from 22 Tests.

But McGeechan believes the former Lions captain has been unlucky with injuries in his squad and that it is too soon for the RFU to start thinking about replacing him.

"I don't think there should be any question - I rate Martin very highly in that regard and in that area with international rugby," McGeechan told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek program.

"He has got the team through to the World Cup and we should be looking at getting the group stabilised and established.

"He hasn't had the best of luck at times with injuries - he had a lot of injuries for the November internationals.

"I think it is a matter of knowing which are his real starting core players, which I think Martin will be trying to achieve now and in the November series."

Brian Ashton, one of Johnson's predecessors as coach of the national team, feels England's players should take some of the responsibility for their recent form.

"When you take on a job like this you understand the pressures that come with it," Ashton said.

"Obviously he will be disappointed with what has happened yesterday and maybe what has happened over the last 12 months or so.

"I'm sure he is working hard and his coaching team are working hard to put things right.

"It's all very well saying he is under pressure, but now is the time - always is the time - for players to stand up and take some responsibility as well, because they are the guys who actually play the game."

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