Former England skipper Will Carling has questioned Clive Woodward's ability to lead England to glory in next year's World Cup following the shock 20-15 defeat to France in Paris on Saturday.

Carling, who led England to three Grand Slams, believes a change maybe needed and he told the Evening Standard, "It is safe to say that if Woodward had been in charge of one of the Southern Hemisphere sides, one that was accepted to be the best, and had failed four years in a row in the Tri-Nations, he would no longer be in his job.

"Those nations would not have accepted failure. If we do, it's an admission that we do not hunt winning and winners with the same ferocious appetite.

"Woodward has taken England a long way down the road to success and I have huge respect for what he has done but I also have serious reservations about his ability to take us that last mile - to turn the side into World Cup winners."

Carling also questioned the selection of big money rugby league recruit Henry Paul. "Certain selections had an effect on the Paris result and most notable was the inclusion of Henry Paul in the squad.

"Paul is a supremely talented player, a hardened competitor but a man not yet at ease with rugby union. I am sure he will make a huge impact on the game but not if the management play any more ridiculous stunts such as having him as cover for the whole midfield.

"It was blatantly unfair on the man himself, as well as stunningly disruptive to England's desperate attempts to establish some rhythm and pressure. He was exposed horribly on too many occasions and it hindered England from making the necessary incisions in the French defence. Someone has to be accountable for that decision."

"The worrying similarity that runs through their last three defeats in the Championship, to Scotland in 2000, to Ireland in 2001 and on Saturday to France is painfully evident.

"England are trying to play too much rugby in their own half in crunch matches, putting themselves under huge pressure. This England set-up has the laudable dream of playing fast, open dynamic rugby. What it has not yet come to terms with is that sometimes you just have to win

"England supporters love to watch them demolish sides by 40 or 50 points, scoring numerous tries but they would also be just as happy to see them win the crunch games by a point.

"My concern, having watched England over the last four years, is that they do not seem to have developed that edge, the pragmatism that says winning has to take priority."