Former Australia coach Eddie Jones has blasted English rugby's "crazy" set-up, saying the national side faces "problems across the board" after a trio of heavy losses to the Tri-Nations.

England, under new manager Martin Johnson, were beaten on successive weekends at Twickenham last month.

Australia started things off with a 28-14 victory before world champions South Africa won 42-6 to inflict England's heaviest home defeat.

New Zealand then piled on the agony with a 32-6 success last weekend.

In those three games England conceded 102 points and only scored 26, while letting in nine tries and managing just one in reply.

Jones, now the director of rugby at English Premiership side Saracens, slammed the Rugby Football Union (RFU) for a lack of player development since an England side captained by Johnson beat the Australia team he coached in the 2003 World Cup final.

"The problems are across the board," Jones said.

"England haven't got a coherent understanding of how to attack and their defence is poor.

"They have conceded 100 points in three games - you won't do anything in Test rugby if you concede 100 points.

"I think Martin has to decide whether he wants to be the head coach.

"If he is the manager, then who is the head coach? Someone has to take responsibility for coaching the team."

England half-backs Danny Care and Danny Cipriani came into the November series with just two starts between them and during the course of a month which also saw the Pacific Islanders at Twickenham, six players made Test debuts.

"It is crazy. You have to ask the question - what elite development is going on in England rugby?," Jones said.

"Look at the England side now compared to 2004 and there has basically been no development.

"You have experienced players and inexperienced players and nothing in between."

Former England outside-half Rob Andrew was appointed as the RFU's director of elite rugby two years ago, with player development a key responsibility.

And Jones was in no doubt about what action he should take to bring on youthful talent.

"If I was Rob Andrew the first thing I would be doing would be to invest in a second tier competition so that all your best young players have regular rugby.

"Young players can lift and run as fast as you want - but they have to play games."

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