Ashton's current contract runs out in December this year

The 61-year-old's current deal ends in December but Rugby Football Union chief executive Frances Baron says Ashton will be asked to stay on.

"Brian and director of rugby Rob Andrew will sit down immediately after the World Cup," Baron told BBC Radio 4.

"Brian has clearly done a great job and I'm sure they will be thrashing it out very quickly."

Interview: RFU chief executive Francis Baron

Baron would not be drawn on how long Ashton's new deal might run for, although newspaper reports suggested it might take him until the next World Cup in 2011.

606: DEBATE The main reason for England reaching the final is Brian Ashton HM

England face South Africa in the final and Baron said: "We won't talk about these things until the World Cup is over.

"We have got a massive match on Saturday and Brian is fully focused on delivering yet another great performance from our boys on Saturday.

"We wouldn't dream of mentioning contracts at this stage."

Andrew's talks with Ashton will also involve the idea of employing a manager to work alongside the coach.

"Rob decided not to do that for this World Cup and I think the decision was right," added Baron.

"The issue of the management structure will be part of the discussions with Brian. What we are keen to do is have a very clear structure looking forward to the next World Cup in 2011.

"We would like to get that in place before the Six Nations next year."

Ashton was promoted to the role of head coach in December 2006 following Andy Robinson's resignation.