Johnson said Jones was the leading candidate from among the existing Home Nations captains who also include Ireland 's Rory Best and Scotland 's Greig Laidlaw .
Johnson led the Lions to a 1997 series victory in South Africa before lifting the 2003 World Cup as England skipper .
Johnson , who led the Lions to a 1997 series victory in South Africa before lifting the 2003 World Cup as England skipper , said Jones was the leading candidate from among the existing Home Nations captains who also include Ireland 's Rory Best and Scotland 's Greig Laidlaw .