England manager Martin Johnson is pleased with his first year in charge of the national side © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Matt Banahan | Martin Johnson | Ugo Monye

Tournaments/Tours: England tour

Teams: Argentina | England

England manager Martin Johnson is pleased with his first year in charge of the national side, despite their season ending with defeat at the hands of Argentina in Salta.

Johnson officially took charge of England last July, helping them to second place in the Six Nations after a mauling at the hands of the Tri-Nations sides last November and an awful performance against Italy in their first game of the championship. England have won three of their last four Tests, to put a smile on the face of Johnson as he prepares to select his 32-man Elite Player Squad (EPS) on July 1.

"We've come a heck of a long way," Johnson said. "We're in a results business and we've lost more than we won this season. You always hope to be further than you are but we have made significant strides as a team. I really do believe that. We understand what we're trying to do on the field and it's certainly far better than in the autumn.

"It got better through the Six Nations and that was clear in our performances and results, the French game in particular. But generally we're improving, as is the confidence of the players and the belief they have in themselves. It was disappointing to lose yesterday because it would have been great to finish with a win."

This season has seen several players stake a claim at international level, with Bath wing Matt Banahan the latest to impress with two tries in his first two Tests. Banahan follows London Irish fullback Delon Armitage in proving his worth, as well as British & Irish Lions Riki Flutey, Tom Croft and Ugo Monye.

"Look at the players that have developed and come through this year," Johnson added. "Delon Armitage wasn't even in the 64 at the start of the year yet has played in all the Tests and scored five tries. Riki Flutey is on the Lions tour. Ugo made his debut this season and is with the Lions. Dylan Hartley's been involved, as has David Wilson and Steffon Armitage.

"A lot of guys have come through, others too like Tom Croft, Danny Care and Matt Banahan. As a squad we've moved on. It certainly helped having experienced guys like Mike Tindall, Joe Worsley and Mark Cueto playing for us in the Six Nations. You do need that experience around the younger guys if you are to be successful."

Guinness Premiership clubs will be waiting for the EPS and Saxons squads on July 1, meaning that Johnson wil have some further planning to do when he returns from Argentina.

"We now know a lot more about the players than last year. It's about making the call on where we think we'll be in November," he said. "The laws have changed again and that will have an impact. The maul was quite a factor in the France v New Zealand game on Saturday for example. We'll meet over the next two or three weeks and review everything.

"Some good players are going to miss out because there are only 32 places but people get hurt and opportunities arise. We've said to the guys don't be too worried about not being in the squad on July 1, worry about playing well in September. If they do that they're in the frame for the squad. Their chance will arise."