Johnson: Focused on winning

A number of different permutations in Pool B means that should England lose to their old rivals then they could still progress through to the last eight.

However Johnson, who has recalled Delon Armitage, Courtney Lawes and Matt Stevens for the match, claims victory is the only aim.

"It's knockout rugby," said Johnson.

"We have to win, they have to win. We are not talking about getting a losing bonus point. We want to go and win the game."

Having lost 13-12 to Argentina last time out, Scotland go into the game needing a win to continue their record of qualifying for the quarter-finals at every World Cup.

And Johnson is only too aware of the threat posed by Scotland.

"They are potentially dangerous, potentially vulnerable. It is how they handle it," said Johnson.

"Their frustration their fury, whatever they have talked about this week, they have to turn that into a performance.

"We have to turn where we are into a performance.

"This is the oldest international in the world, there is a lot of history there. That is all for the build-up and the exterior.

"It is about us playing well. You have got to handle the pressure, handle the expectation, handle the spotlight and go out and play.

"If we do that we will put ourselves in a good place."