JOSH LEWSEY may be heading off into the sunset but the retiring World Cup-winner is confident England are at the dawn of a “very exciting time” under Martin Johnson.

Lewsey and Martin Corry bade emotional farewells to the English game by inspiring the Barbarians to a 33-26 victory as they outclassed a youthful, inexperienced England team.

With nine stars away on Lions duty, Johnson gave six players their first senior starts and introduced the likes of Jordan Turner-Hall, Chris Robshaw and Matt Banahan to the international stage.

Lewsey and Corry believe England’s future under Johnson is bright, both in the near term as they enter a Test series against Argentina and the 2011 World Cup.

“England are on the cusp of a potentially very exciting time,” said Lewsey.

“There are a lot of young guys playing really well in the Premiership. All the foundations are there. The challenge is to do it in a white shirt and I for one hope they do.”

England’s defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed as the Barbarians, featuring seven former All Blacks, ran in five tries.

At one stage England trailed 33-5 and were on course for a record defeat after former red rose winger Iain Balshaw scored twice and Chris Jack, Rocky Elsom and Gordon D’Arcy all touched down.

England did hit back in the closing stages as Turner-Hall, Tom May and Banahan all added to Ben Foden’s first-half try.

Johnson demanded his men must raise their intensity before they tackle the Pumas in the first Test at Old Trafford on Saturday.