Lancaster welcomes different perspective offered by Ashton’s ideas

Ashton, the former Bath, England and Ireland head coach, was invited to England’s base in Surrey on Monday and yesterday so Lancaster and his coaching team can benefit from his experience.

“It’s for me to sit down and chat. Different ideas, different perspective,” said Lancaster.

“He’s developed a lot of players, but actually he’s developed a lot of coaches. He’s somebody I’ve always stayed in contact with.

“He’s a very creative attacking coach (but) we’re not going to change anything we’re not already doing. I think the way in which we try and play the game will remain the same.”

Ashton, 68, now coaching Lancaster-based Vale of Lune in the North One West division, coached England to the 2007 World Cup final, where they lost to South Africa, and Lancaster knows his side need to develop if they are to beat reigning world champions New Zealand in the opening international of the season a week on Saturday.

“In terms of our attacking mindset, I think we’ve always had a strong one,” said Lancaster.

“We need to beat New Zealand by scoring tries as well as kicking points.”

The All Blacks are the first opponents of an autumn schedule which sees South Africa (November 15), Samoa (November 22) and Australia (November 29) – opponents in Pool A at the 2015 World Cup – visit Twickenham.

Huddersfield-born Luther Burrell is the biggest fitness concern due to a hand injury the Northampton centre suffered playing against the Ospreys.

Lancaster conceded Burrell, who met a specialist on yesterday following a scan, is unlikely to face the All Blacks. England’s head coach revealed the prognosis was more encouraging than first feared and that surgery would not be required, but added: “He’s not been in camp this week at all. He’s still in the equation further down the line. He’s definitely not out the series.

“Potentially he could come back into camp next week, but he won’t have done any of the work. It would be a big step to put him in (against New Zealand).”

Harlequins prop Joe Marler (quad), Saracens No 8 Billy Vunipola (concussion), Kyle Eastmond (ribs), Harlequins wing Marland Yarde (ankle), Wasps back row James Haskell (virus) and Bath prop David Wilson (calf) are all expected to play a full part in training from next Monday at the latest.