I blew England chance - Dallaglio

Lawrence Dallaglio says he only has himself to blame for losing his place in Brian Ashton's England team.

Dallaglio played in England's opening World Cup match against the USA but Ashton has opted for Nick Easter at number eight in every match since.

England now face Australia in the quarter-finals on Saturday and it would be a major surprise if Dallaglio made the starting XV.

"I have had one chance in this World Cup and I blew my assignment," he said.

Interview: England forward Lawrence Dallaglio

But the former skipper says he still hopes to get another chance in this year's tournament.

"People can be called on to make contributions at any stage of the competition and If I'm asked I'm very much looking forward to it," he said.

"I don't look for anyone else to blame other than myself to be honest.

"Now that opportunity has gone I have to be a bit more patient and wait for it to come back.

"Thus far it hasn't really happened - it only happened off the bench and I have to accept that role."

Dallaglio was a key figure in England's 2003 World Cup final win over Australia and says he would relish the chance of facing them again in Saturday's quarter-final encounter - even if he only has a small part to play.

"I'm not sure if the team has been selected yet but whether I start or come off the bench or don't get involved at all I have to play my part," he said.

"It would be a great game to run out and start but if that's not to be I look forward to whatever part I can play.

"World Cups aren't won by one person - they are won by a squad of 30, that was the very clear lesson of the last World Cup."

Source: BBC Sport