Miss Ashton asked the Treasury to consider funding the museum via a grant or a subsidy "that could make the site more attractive to private developers".

BBC: Bid to save World War II museum

"No-one is dropped in a World Cup tournament, you just pick a different team, " said Ashton when asked about the omission of Dallaglio.

BBC: England face crisis at fly-half

The 61-year-old's current deal ends in December but Rugby Football Union chief executive Frances Baron says Ashton will be asked to stay on.

BBC: Ashton set for new England deal