Former England and British Lions hooker Steve Thompson believes he knows who should become the next coach of the beleaguered national side.

While nothing has yet been decided with regard to the coaching future of Brian Ashton, Thompson voiced his strong opinion in an interview with BBC Radio Northampton, reckoning that current Northampton Saints coach Jim Mallinder and Gloucester coach Dean Ryan would be the perfect team for England.

Mallinder was in charge of the England Saxons side which beat New Zealand Maori to claim the Churchill Cup in June before kicking off his current three-year deal with the Saints. Ryan has coached Gloucester to consistent results in the Guinness Premiership.

"Jim's been involved in the England set-up before joining Saints," Thompson said.

"I know he has got a lot of respect from the players, he's got some great ideas, and I think they would make quite a good team for England."

Thompson was headed to French club Brive as a forwards coach, having retired with a neck injury, but has since announced he is able play again.

He cites the new French coaching structure, with young coaches Marc Lièvremont and Emile N'Tamack, as the best way forward for English rugby.

"Look at what France have done, they've appointed a couple of young coaches and they're going to nurture them through," Thompson said..

"England could have two young coaches and have somebody experienced above them like Dean Richards just to help them through.

"If anything the Premiership is harder to coach than international level, because it is week-in, week-out, you don't get much time from match to match. Whereas at international level you have so much time to plan for it.