Martin Johnson was unable to hide his surprise after his demotion to England's bench for Sunday's final Six Nations game against Italy. If, as the manager Clive Woodward said, nothing serious should be read into his captain's diminished role in Rome, he has yet to convince Johnson himself.

"I'm Martin Johnson's biggest fan but the team is picked on merit," said Woodward. "Martin knows he's in a very competitive position."

Johnson had no inkling he would not be leading his country until Woodward took him aside to reveal that, for the first time in his England career, the Leicester lock would be a humble replacement. "He gave me his eyebrows look, said 'Fine' and walked away," said Woodward, pressed for the disappointed Johnson's reaction.

The England management's solemn explanation is that Ben Kay and Danny Grewcock both performed admirably against Wales last month and that Johnson, back from suspension, would not have "significantly added" to the team.

Apart from frightening the daylights out of Italy when he does finally peel off his tracksuit, however, there is a symbolic aspect to not picking the world's most respected lock with the World Cup 18 months away. "A year ago this team was flying," warned Woodward. "I wouldn't say we've gone backwards, but we've stood still." By implication other senior players are under scrutiny.

Johnson is not whingeing. "I thought I'd play, I'd be lying if I said anything else, but I can handle it," he said. "Some guys recently have had bigger cause to complain than me. It's all about the team. If you've got a bad attitude on the bench it goes through the whole side. It's not as if Danny and Ben are not world-class second-rows."

Woodward has confirmed England will embark on a tour of Argentina in June, playing one Test and at least two provincial fixtures, subject to International Board approval.

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