Matt Dawson is confident England can make it two Six Nations Grand Slams in a row even without World Cup-winning skipper Martin Johnson.

Johnson, 33, announced his retirement from international rugby on Saturday but Dawson believes the strength in depth in coach Clive Woodwards squad means they can overcame the loss.

"No one is going to fill Martins boots," said the scrum-half. "But we have become more resilient in the past couple of seasons and can perform just as well without two or three major players because we have such strength in depth.

"Whether its Jonny Wilkinson, Lawrence Dallaglio or Phil Vickery absent - we can cover and cover well.

"A lot will be made of players retiring in the next season or so - but that will only help bring through the next generation and a new squad will take shape for the World Cup in France."

But he admitted the opposition would be itching to beat the world champions.

"We have a great chance but the other sides will be up for it even more after what we achieved in Australia. Everyone wants to be first to beat the World Champions." he said.

Johnson led England to the Grand Slam last year but was missing when they crashed against Ireland in 2001 and Scotland in 2000.

Will Carling's England team was the last side to win successive Grand Slams, in 1991 and 1992.

Dawson is one of the names in the frame to take over as captain when England kick-off this years Six Nations campaign against Italy in Rome on February 15th.

But Woodward has to manage a crop of injuries. Jonny Wilkinson, Richard Hill, Lewis Moody, Julian White, Mike Tindall, Iain Balshaw, Mike Catt and Martin Corry are all currently out. And Wilkinsons back-up at fly-half Charlie Hodgson is doubtful after injuring his left knee again. Hodgson, 23, missed the World Cup after rupturing ligaments in the knee last March.

Wilkinson has played just 53 minutes since the World Cup because of a shoulder problem and his comeback could be hampered by a lack of games.