Former England captain Lewis Moody has revealed that he is "gutted" over Martin Johnson's resignation as coach of the national side.

Johnson stepped down from the post on Wednesday, but Moody believes that he could have led the team to success in the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.

"I am genuinely gutted for Martin and the team to hear that he has decided not to continue in the role," said Moody. "As I've said before, having taken England to a Six Nations win for the first time in seven years and achieved 10 out of 13 wins for England this season, he has been a great asset to England, and in my eyes was the right man for the job - to take them forward to 2015.

"He was a great man to work with and under and I know that the rest of the team will agree that he will be sorely missed. I wish him all the best in whatever he goes on to do."

Moody was captain of the side during their recent ill-fated World Cup campaign in New Zealand.