Brian Ashton insisted England's future is exciting as the England hierarchy reflected on their World Cup campaign on Monday.

Coach Ashton is likely to land a lucrative new contract on the back of England's staggering World Cup achievements, when they reached the final before losing 15-6 to South Africa.

And, following their return to England, he told a press conference at Twickenham: "I enjoy doing the job and nothing's changed since I spoke to you (the press) last.

"I thoroughly enjoy doing the job and I think England have a pretty exciting future."

The 61-year-old is in pole position for a possible four-year deal which could exceed £1million, although RFU elite rugby director Rob Andrew was giving little away.

Andrew told the press conference, televised by Sky Sports News: "We're going to review this thoroughly and will make decisions over the course of the next few weeks.

"Nothing's changed from yesterday but the planning we've done over the last 12 months has looked beyond the World Cup."

England captain Phil Vickery is not rueing the 43rd minute decision which denied England a try when Mark Cueto's foot was ruled to have made contact with the touchline as he dived over under pressure from Springboks number eight Danie Rossouw's despairing tackle.

Vickery said: "The decision was given as no try and we've all accepted that - life goes on and you have to move on.

"If you live life by every decision that goes against you you'd be a very sad individual.

"It's all over and finished now and will never happen again.

"It's good to be back home today.

"I'm looking forward to going home and seeing my family but my focus is to get myself ready for Wasps."

Ashton insisted there was no clear design guaranteed to bring success. He said: "I don't think there is a blueprint for success at the World Cup.

"I think it's what you do when you get to the tournament that counts.

"Once you are there it's a different experience, you live a day to day existence. This group have been unbelievably strong.

"I've got a lot of pride in how they performed as rugby players and even more how they performed as men."

Vickery and Andrew both looked forward to a new generation of younger players.

Vickery said: "I'm extremely proud of all the players, I can't fault any of them.

"Everyone dug in. We managed to get to the final but unfortunately we couldn't bring the cup home. It makes me feel very proud.

"I think there is a lot of young talented players in England."

Andrew added: "Brian and the guys have given everybody a huge lift over the last few weeks.

"We need to make sure we move forward in terms of planning for the next World Cup. Unfortunately that didn't happen after the last World Cup and English rugby got itself into a real mess."

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