Martin Johnson has decided to stand down as coach of the England rugby union side after a World Cup campaign that ended with a quarter-final defeat to France.

The rumour mill as to who will replace the 41-year-old is already in motion, so Sports Mole has assessed five of the most likely candidates to take the job.

Graham Henry

Graham Henry's World Cup experience could not have been more different from Johnson's. The 65-year-old guided the hosting New Zealand to World Cup glory over the French, only the second time that the Kiwis had won the competition. Henry resigned from his position following that success but it is believed that he is keen on taking on a new challenge, despite reports that he is ready to retire.

Odds: 5/4

Jim Mallinder

Despite only earning two international caps, Jim Mallinder is a leading candidate to take the England job. The current Northampton coach does have plenty of experience of coaching at the top level. Having guided the Saints to European Challenge Cup success in 2009, Mallinder took his side to the final of last season's Heineken Cup. Despite losing to Leinster, Mallinder received a number of plaudits for his management style.

Odds: 7/2

Jake White

Like Mallett, Jake White can include coaching South Africa on his CV. However, White went one better than the Italy coach, leading the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2007 with a 15-6 victory over England. That result saw South Africa reclaim their spot as the world's number one team, ending New Zealand's 40-week stint at the summit of the rankings. Currently out of work, the chance to improve England's fortunes could well appeal to the 48-year-old.

Odds: 10/1

Joe Schmidt

Schmidt rose to prominence last season when he guided Leinster to Heineken Cup success over Mallinder's Northampton last season. The New Zealand-born coach also led the Irish club to the Magners League Grand Final where they lost to Munster. While some may question his inclusion as a contender, Schmidt has much more coaching experience that Johnson had when he was handed the job.

Odds: 12/1