Johnson relief as England on track

MARTIN JOHNSON admitted he was relieved to escape Rome with a victory after watching England battle to an unconvincing win against Nick Mallett’s Italy yesterday at the Stadio Flaminio.

Mathew Tait’s try early in the second half ultimately proved the difference – but England needed a late Jonny Wilkinson drop goal to finally kill off a spirited Italian effort.

The Azzurri had trailed 14-6 but pushed England to the brink with four penalties from Mirco Bergamasco.