Dubai: Former England centre Jeremy Guscott has told Gulf News that if England wins the Rugby World Cup it won't be as a result of his ex-teammate Martin Johnson's coaching. 

Speaking on the sidelines of an OSN Showtime press conference in Dubai to announce the network's 48 game coverage of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, where Guscott is a panelist, the ex-Bath and British Irish Lions performer wasn't exactly glowing in his evaluation of Johnson's coaching credentials. 

"No one believed he got the job, he didn't have the CV to coach England and all the players, and those he played with, couldn't believe he got it. But he had the passion and determination and went at it fully loaded," said Guscott. 

"You know, he's from Leicester, he was a second row forward and he's a bit boring. He picked a side in the same vein as Leicester it was basically Leicester in white. But then the likes of; Ben Youngs, Chris Ashton, Ben Foden, Courtney Lawes and Dan Cole have added impetus and belief to the squad over the past 18 months," said Guscott. 

"These youngsters have given the side energy and it took a long time for Martin Johnson to realise that, hopefully he has now," he said. 

Guscott added: "We've seen Manu Tuilagi come in now. But he's forced his way in, Johnson hasn't really selected him. He was going to make him part of his squad but because of injuries to Shontayne Hape and Mike Tindall he's come in and proved he should have been there maybe a little bit earlier." 

Asked if Guscott believed Johnson was the man for the job, he said: "I do now, I didn't believe then that he should have been the man for the job, but nobody put their hand up and he did. For that he's brave, given what he did as a player and knowing Jono he doesn't do things half heartedly. He had passion and emotion and I think that's what made him take the job because he's tired of seeing England, with all the resources and players under perform." 

"I don't think England will win the World Cup because of Johnson, essentially the players have to get out there and do it. I don't think that with Graham Henry or Robbie Deans England would win the World Cup because of their coaching. Personally I don't think England is ready to win the World Cup at this time." 

On England's chances Guscott was in two minds: "England should get to the knockouts where seeding would place them with France in the quarter and Australia in the semi. They've beaten both these sides in recent times so I wouldn't be surprised to see them beat those sides and get into the final." 

"I also wouldn't be surprised if they lost because lets be fair France has got a great record in World Cups. They've been to two finals and three semis, their worst finish is a quarter final so their record is fantastic," said Guscott.

In conclusion Guscott said: "England is arguably a side that could get to the semi and then the final which four years ago nobody thought they would but at least this time they stand a reasonable chance of getting there."