Anxious wait for World Cup hopefuls

England's World Cup hopefuls are engaged in a painful waiting game as head coach Brian Ashton applies the finishing touches to his 30-man squad.

Even experienced campaigners like 2003 World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio knew they could take nothing for granted.

Wasps star Dallaglio said: "I would love to be in the World Cup squad, and I will be waiting like everyone else. Nervous is the wrong word. It is something you look forward to."

Ashton is set to reveal his squad on Monday and he said: "I have got a pretty good idea now of what the final 30 is going to be.

"I had about 34 players in mind before the France game on Saturday, and that has probably knocked it down to 31 or 32.

"I don't think it is appropriate to comment on individual players at this stage.

"I am going to pick the best 30 players I think will serve England well at the World Cup."