England's success has confounded their many critics

England have the chance to create history as the first team to successfully defend the World Cup.

But Best said the domestic game was still plagued by serious problems.

"We haven't papered over the cracks, we've plastered over them. If we'd gone out earlier, it would have exposed lots of issues," he told BBC Radio 5live.

Interview: Former England rugby coach Dick Best

England have stunned their critics by reaching the World Cup final against South Africa after wins over Australia and France in the knock-out stages.

Brian Ashton's side had been written off as serious challengers after their 36-0 humiliation by the Springboks during the group stages, but have resurrected their campaign in remarkable fashion.

The four years since England's triumph under Sir Clive Woodward in the last World Cup have been largely lacking in success, with rows between the clubs and the Rugby Football Union providing an acrimonious backdrop.

There are serious issues in the game in England that need addressing rapidly Former England coach Dick Best

The clubs are close to reaching agreement with the RFU on a new deal to compensate them for the loss of their England players.

But Best said England's unexpected success was in danger of overshadowing fundamental flaws in the domestic game.

"There are serious issues in the game in England that need addressing rapidly," added Best.

"Overseas players, competition structures, number of games. There's a lot of issues at stake.

"(Reaching the final) has been marvellous to see, but I'm not sure what this has done for our club game.

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"It's been a disaster for four years. It's been embarrassing being the worst world champions ever, now we've got a chance to prove everybody wrong.

"The players are being quite bloody-minded about it - it's a case of two fingers up to every journalist - and quite rightly so."

Best also warned that England need to be ruthless when it came to bringing new blood into the side after the tournament finishes.

"There's no point in the older players being used in the Six Nations," he said.

There are problems but they are surmountable Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards

"That is the time when you should be moving on. We made that mistake four years ago - we should have had a clear-out and rebuilt the side."

Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards took issue with Best's suggestion. �

"There are a few problems in the game but no more so than in New Zealand, Australia or South Africa or anywhere else," he told BBC Radio 5live.

"They are starting to be addressed. (RFU director of elite rugby) Rob Andrew is there and there's a committee looking at the issues.