Ashton relishes All Blacks challenge

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England will face the All Blacks in Auckland on June 14 and Christchurch seven days later. And the England head coach is expected to remain in charge this summer, despite his team's topsy-turvy RBS 6 Nations campaign.

Ashton said: "The next two games are away in Auckland and Christchurch, so if you're looking to get on a bit of a roll you wouldn't pick those. But what a fantastic challenge now to finish a tournament like we did and then go down and play against New Zealand."

He added: "It is terrific. From my point of view it's fantastic."

Ashton has revealed he expects speculation to continue about his future as England boss.

When Ashton was reappointed just before Christmas, Rugby Football Union elite rugby director Rob Andrew described the contract arrangement as "indefinite."

That was widely interpreted as being a 12-month rolling deal, although it has been reported in some sections of the media that a disgruntled RFU membership faction want South Africa's World Cup-winning coach Jake White appointed to the top job sooner rather than later.

Andrew will shortly commence his annual Six Nations review following a tournament that saw the World Cup finalists finish runners-up to Grand Slam champions Wales, England's highest placing since 2003.

Ashton said: "Whether I am staying in the job or not I've no idea. Wait and see."

Asked if he thought questions about his future would continue, Ashton added: "Permanently, because that's the way things happen. People are constantly questioning."