Brian Ashton appears set to accept his demotion from England head coach to a role with the National Academy.

Ashton was axed following the appointment of Martin Johnson as team manager this week and had been expected to leave the Rugby Football Union.

Speaking at Johnson's official unveiling at Twickenham today, RFU chief executive Francis Baron said: "I spoke to Brian yesterday and his advisors, and Brian has confirmed to me his interest in taking up the new position that we have offered him.

"I will be sitting down with Brian next week to finalise the details of the new position so that Brian can start work in his new role. I very much believe Brian will remain a part of the team. He has a massive amount still to offer England rugby."

Johnson, meanwhile, said he was looking forward to getting England back to the top of world rugby.

"It's a tremendously exciting time for English rugby," said the 38-year-old captain of England's 2003 World Cup winning side. "I'm really looking forward to getting on with the job and getting this England team performing at the level we can perform at. If we do that, there is every chance we can be beating most teams around the world. That's where we want to be."

Johnson said he had "sympathy" for Brian Ashton who was removed as head coach on Wednesday and has been offered a position in charge of the national academy.

However he said he was ready for the challenge despite having no experience in coaching or management.

"It's a fact that I have no coaching experience but I've got a lot of experience in rugby union over the last 16 years," the former Leicester slalwart said.

"This game is always about players, not about the ego of coaches. It's about creating an environment where these guys can thrive and we can get the best out of them and create a team culture. I think I can be part of that."