Johnson out for lengthy spell

Johnson's loss is a big blow for England

England captain Martin Johnson has been ruled out of Saturday's Six Nations clash with Ireland and the Test against Australia on 10 November.

The Lions skipper broke his hand during Leicester's Zurich Premiership victory over Northampton.

And it is Northampton scrum-half Matt Dawson who has been chosen to replace him.

Although the club have so far failed to confirm the extent of the damage, it is believed that Johnson will miss a minimum of three weeks - and probably more.

The Tigers lock will also sit out his club's Heineken Cup double-header with Perpignan.

Dawson knows what it takes to lead England

And if Johnson does not return as quickly as he would hope, his place in England's autumn international programme, which also includes matches against Romania and South Africa, is also under threat.

"You have to be philosophical," Johnson told the Daily Mail.

"I have seen a specialist and he said it could be worse."

England boss Clive Woodward conceded that Johnson will miss the Lansdowne Road test.

"I am disappointed for Martin, and I wish him a speedy recovery," he said.

Johnson's withdrawal is a big blow for England, although Woodward still intends to announce his starting line-up as planned next Tuesday.

Influential forwards missing

Dawson, who has captained England in the past, will take charge as England attempt to secure their first Grand Slam since 1995.

Dawson commanded headlines of the wrong kind during this summer's Lions tour to Australia when he criticised the tour management in print.

But that indiscretion has been overlooked.

Woodward must also plug a second-row vacancy - Danny Grewcock's partner would appear to be a choice between Steve Borthwick, Simon Shaw or Ben Kay.

The England players are due to assemble in Dublin on Monday, with Woodward now finding himself minus the services of his two most influential forwards - Johnson and Lawrence Dallaglio.

The latter is still some months away from a return to competition after his gamble of going on tour with the Lions with lingering doubts over a knee injury backfired.