Brian Ashton insists the door to the national team is not closed to Lawrence Dallaglio despite his criticism of the England coach.

The 35-year-old Wasps man, who is reportedly close to announcing his international retirement, was scathing towards Ashton and the rest of the coaching set-up at this year's World Cup in his recent autobiography.

But Ashton, who is staying on as England manager after leading the team to the World Cup final, is adamant he will not exclude anyone who is fit and available.

"I never have been and never will be a vindictive man," said Ashton. "If I think a player is the best in that position, or the best servant for England in that position, then he will get selected - it is that simple.

"You cannot operate selection by saying, 'I am not going to pick him or him'. You can't operate like that. I didn't like the criticism but, to be honest, it just washed over me. It didn't affect me at all.

"So my message to everyone is that the door is open unless you have retired from international rugby."

Dallaglio, who has won 85 caps, side-stepped questions last night about hanging up his boots after Wasps' match against Gloucester and told Sky Sports: "I'm keeping my powder dry just a little bit longer. I'm not retiring just yet."