Dallaglio was limited to four outings as a replacement in the Six Nations

The Wasps captain told BBC Five Live it would be in his "best interests" to have the operation in early summer.

That would give him a full pre-season's training with Wasps to return to peak fitness ahead of the 2007 World Cup.

"But these decisions are not ones I am going to make of my own volition," he said. "I'm happy going on tour or not."

Dallaglio will consult with England coach Andy Robinson and Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan about the timing of his operation.

"If I was omitted (from the tour) I would like to think it would be for medical reasons rather than selectorial ones and that England were backing me for next season and saying: 'We are taking a decision in your interests as well as our own'.

I was probably the only player who didn't get the opportunity to start a Six Nations game Lawrence Dallaglio

"I have got enough confidence and self-belief that if I don't go to Australia I will back myself to get back in the squad for next season.

"What I want to do is get myself in the best possible shape to make sure we are all on a level playing field when we kick off next season.

"The plate in my ankle needs removing and if I'm to be a serious candidate for the World Cup that is something which needs to be done soon.

"But if I go on tour and then have the operation there will be no pre-season training.

"There are 16 Test matches until the World Cup so there is a lot of time in terms of games played to stake your claim."

Corry keen on England tour

Dallaglio admits he was frustrated at not being given a chance to start any of England's Six Nations games.

"I was open-minded about my chances when I came back into the squad," he told Five Live. "I didn't have a problem with that supporting role.

"But one of the things that frustrated me was that there were five games and I didn't get the chance to start one of them.

"I was probably the only player who didn't get that opportunity but you have to respect the reasons why.

"You don't necessarily agree with them but you have to respect them. It won't deter me from trying to do my best for the rest of this season and next season as well."

Dallaglio faces a busy end to this season, starting with Wasps' Powergen Cup final against Llanelli Scarlets on Sunday.

The English champions then begin the countdown to a probable Premiership semi-final and a possible fourth consecutive final.