LONDON, 19 January 2004 - Martin Johnson's decision to retire from Test rugby has left England coach Sir Clive Woodward with an intriguing question to answer: how do you replace the world's best captain?

Johnson announced his retirement from international rugby on Saturday during Leicester's 49-7 European Cup win against Ulster at Welford Road.

Leicester lock Johnson managed an ideal end to his international career.

In November 33-year-old Johnson led England to a first World Cup crown when they defeated Australia 20-17 in a dramatic final in Sydney which was only settled in the last minute of extra-time with Jonny Wilkinson's drop-goal.

Not a great talker, Johnson's sheer physical presence and his ability to lead by example thanks to the excellence of his play made him someone his teammates would run through the rugby equivalent of a brick wall to back-up.

While the 33-year-old second row has repeatedly played down his captaincy skills, the fact remains that his coolness under pressure was invaluable to England.

That Woodward's team lost several key matches in recent seasons when Johnson was injured or suspended was testament to the dual British and Irish Lions skipper's tactical nous. Johnson, who led England to 34 wins in his 39 Tests as captain, getting the job full-time in 1999 after replacing Lawrence Dallaglio when the Wasps back-row lost the leadership after tabloid newspaper drugs allegations, was coy when asked who should replace him.

"It's not my decision. There's a load of good guys there. Anyone who's done the job (England captaincy) in the last two years can do it again - Neil Back, Matt Dawson, Phil Vickery, Richard Hill.

"The thing is with the England team it's a great squad and they want to win for each other," Johnson said.

However, most of the candidates Johnson mentioned are almost as old, or in the case of 35-year-old Leicester back-row Back even older, than the man they would replace.

Significantly, Jonny Wilkinson's name was not mentioned by Johnson in his list of potential England captains.

Wilkinson, Johnson apart, is regarded as England's best player and by common consent is the world's leading fly-half. At 24, there is every chance that Wilkinson, whose last minute drop-goal settled the World Cup final, will be playing come the 2007 event.

Bath's Danny Grewcock and Wasps Simon Shaw - a late call-up into England's World Cup squad - are the leading contenders to partner Johnson's Leicester teammate Ben Kay in the second-row.

But one thing is certain. Whoever succeeds Johnson, be it as captain or player, will know they are following in the footsteps of one of the all-time greats.