England struggled to impose themselves on a committed Italy side and Johson admitted it had been a frustrating afternoon in Rome.

BBC: England boss Martin Johnson rues missed opportunities

When the Race to Dubai was launched last year in China many top players, like American Anthony Kim and Colombian Camillio Villegas, committed themselves to making more appearances on the European Tour in order to qualify for the lucrative tournament.

CNN: Race to Dubai suffers prize money crisis

"The reality is that, instead of strengthening the checks year on year as all previous ministers committed themselves to do, this home secretary decided to water them down, even though Parliament had not been informed, " said shadow home office minister Lord Hunt of Kings Heath.

BBC: Let army officers look after UK borders, peer urges