KEY POINTS:
LONDON - England's 2003 World Cup winning coach Clive Woodward has questioned whether Brian Ashton is the right man to lead the country to the 2011 finals.
England, ranked seventh in the world heading into this year's World Cup in France, were given little chance of defending their title by many pundits - an assessment few saw little to change when they were beaten 36-0 in a pool match by South Africa, their record World Cup defeat.
But under the guidance of 61-year-old Ashton, who only took over in December after former coach Andy Robinson was forced out, England rallied with quarterfinal and semifinal wins over Australia and hosts France before losing out 15-6 to South Africa in the final.
Writing in the Times newspaper on Tuesday, Woodward wrote: "Brian has many attributes but, in these circumstances, the RFU is correct to take its time and examine away from the present euphoria if he is the right leader for a four-year run to the next World Cup.
"I use the word `leader' very purposely, as it is a strong leadership as well as a high-level coaching role that is required."
With 61-year-old Ashton's one-year contract running out in December, there will be much analysis and discussion of the role he played in England's impressive turnaround of fortunes to reach the final.
"It was fantastic to see fortunes reversed, but it was certainly not a recipe for success," Woodward says.
"No team can expect to recover from that sort of defeat and win the tournament, so we need to ask how the world champions came to be in that position.
"Who made all the key selections? Who dictated the tactical approach?"
England captain Phil Vickery meanwhile said a bright future looked sure, following the run to the World Cup final, thanks to the emergence of some talented young players.
The arrival of gifted youngsters such as Dan Hipkiss, Mathew Tait and Toby Flood has heightened the belief that the troubles of the previous four years are over.
A review of the World Cup should be completed next month and skipper Vickery believes that with the right leadership, England can prosper.
"There are a lot of very talented players in England," said front row Vickery.
"Hopefully with the right people in charge, mapping out the future for club and country, we'll be able to succeed at club and international level. That's what we all want. I know the will is there and the players are there.
"Hopefully we can build a bright future for English rugby. I'm extremely proud of the young players."
- AFP
