LONDON (AFP) - Martin Johnson, the man who captained England to their 2003 World Cup win, was reported Friday to have agreed in principle to take charge of the bid to repeat that triumph in 2011.

According to both the BBC and The Times newspaper, Johnson has agreed to take on a far-reaching team manager's role similar to the one that former head coach Clive Woodward enjoyed in the build-up to 2003.

That would inevitably cast doubt on whether the current coach, Brian Ashton, has a future in the England set-up.

Ashton has always supported the appointment of a team manager but does not see the role including direct involvement in team selection and tactics.

Johnson, who has held several rounds of talks with the Rugby Football Union's elite rugby director, Rob Andrew, has reportedly said he will not get involved as a "figurehead" leader.

If Johnson is appointed and is given complete control, Ashton could find his position untenable and the former captain would be free to bring in his own men, which could include the likes of Australian Pat Howard and his fellow World Cup winner Mike Catt.

The RFU refused to comment on Friday's reports beyond branding them "speculation" and Ashton, who has been equally tight-lipped, is continuing to prepare for England's next match, an end-of-season Twickenham date with the Barbarians on June 1.

England are then due to fly to New Zealand for a two-Test tour. According to The Times, Ashton could remain in charge for that tour with Johnson taking over afterwards, allowing for a dignified exit for the current coach.

Ashton, who has been in charge since Andy Robinson was sacked in 2006, has overseen an upturn in England's fortunes during his time in charge.

Under him, England were runners-up to South Africa at last year's World Cup in France and finished second in this season's Six Nations tournament, their best finish since Johnson led them to the Grand Slam in 2003.