ROB Andrew remains convinced the autumn series is a fair gauge of England’s progress under Martin Johnson, despite their injury crisis.

England are missing half their first choice line-up for the Tests against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand – including an entire front row.

Johnson endured a torrid baptism as manager last November, and Andrew recently stated that next month’s results will offer a true reflection of how far he has taken the team.

Twickenham’s director of elite rugby insists the fixtures are the yardstick, even though Johnson’s playing resources have been severely depleted.

‘‘By the end of the autumn, we’ll have an idea of where this group of players is,’’ he said. ‘‘More than anything, it will prove how much strength in depth we have. That’s now being tested in certain parts of the team.

‘‘There is a lot of experience coming back into the group, players who are playing well.

It will be great to see some of them back in the squad.

‘‘As always, there are challenges – that’s the nature of the international game. I think there is a lot of enthusiasm.

‘‘Yes, there are injuries. But that goes with the territory, and the players are raring to go. We will know by the end of the autumn how much progress has been made.

‘‘We’ve made a lot of progress in the last 12 months –and we want to start where we left off at the end of last season as quickly as possible.

‘‘This has been made more challenging by the amount of changes we’ve had to make.’’ England parted company with former head coach Andy Robinson in 2006 following a disastrous autumn. But Andrew reports Johnson will remain place until 2011, whatever unfolds next month.

‘‘We have made it very clear Martin is here to take this team through to the World Cup,’’ he said.