Johnson relishes ideal test against ‘desperate’ Ireland

MARTIN JOHNSON has labelled Ireland “desperate” as he brings his England side to Dublin for their final World Cup warm-up game.

Declan Kidney’s side have been the subject of fierce criticism after losing all three warm-up games ahead of the tournament in New Zealand.

England have been in mixed form, though beating Wales at Twickenham before losing to the same opposition in Cardiff has shaken confidence as both teams prepare to depart to the southern hemisphere.