England coach Clive Woodward has hit back at former international captain Will Carling over criticism of his coaching methods and Carling has insisted his attack was not personal.

Carling claimed on Monday that Woodward would probably have lost his job by now had he been in charge of one of the Tri-Nations sides.

England's hopes of a long-awaited Grand Slam were dashed on Saturday as they went down to defeat against France in Paris. It was the fourth consecutive season that Woodward's side had lost a crucial Six Nations game and Carling believes such failure would not be tolerated in Australia, New Zealand or South Africa.

But Woodward responded to critics such as Carling, telling Radio Four's Today programme: "We can't let them affect us.

"We have lost a game of rugby and we are disappointed but I see the bigger picture. We are very much improved and two weeks ago we were ranked number one in the world.

"You have got to look at the positives when people have a shot - but I wish they would have a shot when we are winning.

"Since the World Cup I think we have played 24 and won 20.

"When you lose a game of rugby you get headlines like this and I think it says more about the people that make them. They do it to promote themselves and not the England rugby team.

"I don't know Will Carling. I have never met him and I don't really wish to. I find it strange they come out every time we lose.

"I'm not going to let it affect me. I'm happy doing what I'm doing and I'm extremely proud of the team."

Will Carling on Turesday denied that his criticism amounted to a personal attack on coach Clive Woodward.

He told the Evening Standard, "It's not a personal attack on Clive, who I have met a couple of times. I've even had breakfast with him. He e-mailed me before Christmas suggesting we meet. I am a huge England fan and it's not about Clive. It's about England having a side I believe have been capable of winning the Grand Slam and haven't because there are certain flaws that are not being remedied."