It was England’s biggest victory over the French since 2003 and for Johnson, who had suffered five defeats in seven Tests, the result and performance came at just the right time.

Ricky Flutey starred with two tries but for Johnson it was the team who took all the plaudits.

He said: “When we do what we did today we look like a good team. That was great.

“I don’t think our intensity level was higher. Our precision level was better – guys saw chances and took them.

“I am very happy for the guys.

There’s a feeling of satisfaction in the changing room.

“When you lose you are going to get criticised – you know that – and defeat is a realistic possibility when you are playing France, so it’s great.”

All the talk of sin-binnings and ill-discipline was forgotten as England roared into a 29-0 halftime lead thanks to tries from Mark Cueto, Flutey, Delon Armitage and Joe Worsely.

Flutey added a second shortly after the restart and although France grabbed two consolation tries through Dimitri Szarzewski and Julien Malzieu the match had long been won.

Having now ended France’s chances and set up a decider between Wales and Ireland in Cardiff, Johnson said Saturday’s visit of Scotland was still a big game.

He said: “It will be a tough, tough test. Scotland are very competitive and if they’d taken their chances against Wales it could have been different.

“This championship has been really fantastic and we will certainly enjoy tonight.”