Dallaglio 4/6 For Cup Appearance

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By Andy Schooler

Lawrence Dallaglio is 4/6 to play in a game at the Rugby World Cup later this year, according to Ladbrokes.

The firm also offer 11/10 that the Wasps star - named in Brian Ashton's 47-man training squad on Friday - does not feature.

Ladbrokes spokesman Nick Weinberg said: "There seems to be no point calling up Dallaglio for the training camp only to cut him further down the line.

"And if he makes the World Cup party he'll inevitably get a game as the management will be keen to give the entire squad a run-out against the competition's lesser sides."

The 34-year-old has not played for his country since the 2006 Six Nations Championship but impressed at the back end of last season as he guided Wasps to Heineken Cup glory.

Dallaglio, a member of England's 2003 World Cup-winning squad, told The Sun: "I'm under no illusions, I have a lot to do to make the 30, but the same applies to every one of us."

England coach Brian Ashton added: "Someone like Lawrence is never off the radar for a whole variety of reasons.

"By his own admission, he wasn't playing well enough to be picked for the Six Nations (this year).

"Once the Heineken Cup got to the knockout phases, he suddenly demonstrated he is good enough to play again and influence a game at that level.

"It was purely on the playing side that he came back into consideration for selection. Had he not been playing at that level then he would not have been considered."

England are currently available at 25/1 to defend their trophy in the autumn.

New Zealand, 64-13 winners against Canada on Saturday, are the hot favourites at a general 4/9.

Bettingzone