Victor Ubogu believes England have stood still since their Rugby World Cup triumph in 2003 and has spoken of his surprise that Stuart Lancaster was even shortlisted for the role of head coach.

England became the first host nation to fail to qualify for the World Cup quarter-finals when they were soundly beaten 33-13 by Australia last weekend after also losing to Wales at Twickenham.

Lancaster's future has been the subject of intense speculation since the crushing defeat to the Wallabies as he prepares for a Pool A dead rubber against Uruguay on Saturday.

Former England prop Ubogu believes Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief executive Ian Ritchie has a big decision to make over whether to stick with Lancaster, who signed a new six-year contract just 12 months ago, or bring in a new head coach.

Ubogu believes Lancaster has had long enough to build a side capable of making more of an impact on the big stage and questioned how he came to land the job in the first place.

He told Omnisport: "There was far too much chopping and changing, rather than just picking a squad and sticking with them and let them develop into a team. It does take time to grow teams and get them to gel, that's been the real issue. 

"He's (Lancaster) had a three-year chance to get it right and it hasn't gone right.

"He's got a contract until the next World Cup, so I guess Ian Ritchie will have to decide what he wants to do going forward. Mistakes have been made and it's whether he feels they can be learned from and taken forward to the next World Cup.

"When they advertised the job, and the type of calibre of coach they were looking for, I was surprised that Stuart made the shortlist because from the job spec, he didn't meet some of the criteria set.

"But he was given the caretaker role and he did a good job of changing the culture of the team, getting them winning some games, but seems to have been unable to go further. We all knew that he didn't have the experience that was required at the time."

Ubogu also expressed his concern over the lack of English candidates that would be capable of replacing Lancaster if he is relieved of his duties.

"Looking around, who is going to take his spot? If you're looking for a home-grown coach is athere anyone out there that is home-grown and suitably qualified?

"I can't think of anyone apart from obviously Clive (Woodward). England have had two inexperienced coaches on the bounce without any apparent support.

"A home-grown coach is preferred, but looking how things are I can't see what development has taken place since 2003. There doesn't appear to be any apparent succession plan or coaches going through the system."