Goode thinks Ashton still has a contribution to make to England

Goode told BBC Radio Leicester: "He's a very good attacking coach. It's important to have him there, but maybe just concentrating on his strengths.

"Perhaps he'd like somebody in above him to manage the off-field affairs and leave him to run games on the field."

His comments follow speculation that Ashton will part company with England after a mixed Six Nations campaign.

Ashton, who was appointed in December 2006, had a meeting with Rugby Football Union elite rugby director Rob Andrew on Tuesday to discuss his future.