Dallaglio is keen to compete in next year's World Cup

Andrew and Sir Clive Woodward are said to be neck and neck for the post, with a decision expected later this week.

"Having played at the highest level and been a director of rugby for 11 years, I think Rob understands what is required," said Dallaglio.

"In a political sense, I think he would be a fantastic appointment and he is English, which is a positive."

Interview: Former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio

Dallaglio believes that Andrew would be able to heal the rift that has opened in recent years between English clubs and the national team.

Andrew is widely perceived to be the clubs' favoured candidate, and Woodward damaged the relationship with some critical comments about the clubs when he stepped down as England coach in 2004.

"The reason Clive succeeded (as England head coach) was because he was able to create a successful partnership between club and country, which I think has deteriorated in the time since he departed," Dallaglio said.

"One of Rob's jobs will be to renew that partnership and give England a chance to be successful going forward."

The new elite director of rugby will oversee all aspects of representative rugby in England, from the regional academies to the full senior side.

Dallaglio added: "It is very important to get the right selection in any position, whether it is hooker, prop or technical director of rugby.

"Rob and Clive seem to be the main protagonists for the job and I have worked very successfully with both for Wasps and England.

Clearly the coaching has to get better Lawrence Dallaglio

"I would see either appointment as being a major step forward for England."

Dallaglio has also welcomed the coaching changes made by the RFU but has warned that fitness levels among England's elite squad need to improve.

"The New Zealand game last autumn and the Ireland game in the Six Nations were there for the winning and weren't taken," said Dallaglio.

"The whole squad has to get fitter. I can only compare to the levels we were at in 2003 and the majority of players are a long way away from that.

"Clearly the coaching has to get better. That is something that has been addressed and I am sure we will see some big improvements in the season ahead.

"The coaches aren't wholly to blame for those results. What some of the players have produced has not been up to the standard required.

Getting back to my best is the target and ultimately the aim remains to compete in the Rugby World Cup Lawrence Dallaglio

"There hasn't been the competition for places that existed before the 2003 World Cup. The selection of players has been questionable."

Dallaglio failed to recapture his best form last season after returning from a broken ankle suffered on the Lions tour to New Zealand in 2005.

But following surgery on the ankle in May, Dallaglio says he is determined to fight his way back into the England team in time to play a part in the next World Cup in 2007.

"I felt like I played with one hand tied behind my back. But if I was able to get onto the bench playing in the state I was in, I expect a lot more of myself this year," he said.

"With the plate out I feel like I've got my leg back. It didn't allow me to train or play properly last season and I wasn't able to do things I am certain I will be able to do this time round.

"Getting back to my best is the target and ultimately the aim remains to compete in the Rugby World Cup."