Attacking was lacking - Moody

World Cup winner Lewis Moody has thrown his weight behind England's new-look coaching team - and taken a swipe at the previous regime.

England's intense build-up to their World Cup defence in France next year is underway following a three-day training camp at Loughborough University. And while injuries meant that numerous players were unable to take a full part, the sessions gave head coach Andy Robinson and his recently installed staff of Brian Ashton, John Wells and Mike Ford an opportunity for some detailed work.

"I think if you look back, and this is no disrespect to anyone, but some people in place were not up to doing the job, especially in attack," Moody said.

Last season's miserable RBS 6 Nations Championship campaign resulted in the Rugby Football Union culling coaches Phil Larder (defence), Joe Lydon (attack) and Dave Alred (kicking) from their future plans.

Moddy added: "You always want to go out and play your best rugby as a team and as a squad. At times though, we felt we were going out on the pitch without some of the necessary information we required.

"It is difficult to always say what you want to say, but it is all in the past and we move on. It is about the next stepping stone now."

England have effectively wasted three years since they lifted the World Cup with victory over Australia in Sydney, and most pundits believe they will do well to progress beyond the quarter-finals in France next year.

There can be no doubt though, that the arrival of Ashton and Wells has generated a more optimistic outlook within the squad, and their influence could begin to be noticed during the forthcoming Tests against New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa (twice).

"I think with Brian being involved it is a fantastic thing for the game we want to play and the style we want to play," added Moody. "The manner in which Brian coaches the game is all encompassing. He can take the whole team and say this is what we want to do.

"John Wells is a phenomenal coach. The stuff he did at Leicester was amazing, and the dedication he will put into this job will be exactly the same, if not greater."