Brian Ashton believes English rugby has a "pretty exciting future" and admits he is keen to be part of it.

The England coach is expected to be rewarded for turning England from Rugby World Cup no-hopers into finalists by being offered a new contract. And although neither he nor Rob Andrew, the Rugby Football Union director of elite rugby, would discuss Ashton's future at a press conference in Paris this afternoon, the Leigh-born coach made it clear he is eager to carry on.

"I intend to sit back for a week and reflect on what has happened but I know there is a massive amount of young talent around and I think English rugby has a pretty exciting future," Ashton said. "The other thing I will say is that I do thoroughly enjoy doing the job."

Andrew also preferred to look back on the transformation by Ashton, his coaching team and the players in the wake of the 36-0 pool stages drubbing by South Africa.

England failed to become the first side to defend their world title as South Africa ground out a 15-6 final win but Andrew hailed the victories over Samoa, Tonga, Australia and France which carried Ashton's men to the final.

"It has been an outstanding effort by everyone," Andrew said. "It has been a phenomenal effort to get to where we did and we should all be proud of what they have done.

"We will review the World Cup in the next few weeks and look to move forward but now is not the time to go into any great detail about where we go next."

Phil Vickery, the England captain, who suffered a neck injury during last night's final, revealed the pain of losing a final and also paid tribute to Ashton.

"As a group to get that far and get so close and not get the trophy is a stab in the heart," he said. "It really hurts I can tell you."

Asked if England had reached the final because of Ashton's coaching or in spite of it, he replied: "The whole thing has been a huge team effort.

"We can hold our hands up and admit we - coaches and players - have made mistakes at certain times but ultimately Brian's influence on the side, in my opinion, has been huge.

"He certainly made me very happy to go out and wear that England shirt and credit to him and coaching team for that."