Ashton keeps cool over criticism

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The defending champions confounded expectations when they reached the World Cup final this year only to be beaten by South Africa. However, despite their achievement, Lawrence Dallaglio and Mike Catt both criticised head coach Ashton for failing to show the necessary leadership.

Ashton, though, insists all that is behind him as he looked forward following the Rugby Football Union's decision to hand him a rolling contract.

He told BBC Radio Five Live: "I'm not hurt by what they said, no. It is done and dusted, I've spoken to both of them since then. And its fine. its just one of those things that happened. And that's it, it's gone, it's history."

Ashton would not be drawn on Dallaglio's future, with the player insisting he will not retire from international rugby.

"There are some big decisions to be made about a lot of people," Ashton added. "You'll find out on January 9 when the 32-man squad is announced."

The 61-year-old was retained by the RFU along with assistant coaches John Wells and Mike Ford and is looking to take England forward after only being appointed a year ago.

He said: "What we need to do now is to work together again and see if we can take England forward in the ways England ought to go forward, which is why we are continuing to work together.

"In the 2007 World Cup, we got to the final against most peoples expectations - there is a new deal going forward.

"The 2008 Six Nations are going to be difficult, people seem to be gunning for England whoever they play for. And I imagine this time around they are going to be gunning even more."