Former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio has been included in the 47-man training squad to prepare for the rugby World Cup.

The number eight has not played for his country in more than a year and there are questions about his fitness.

But he helped Wasps become European champions last season and England coach Brian Ashton admits he must prove he can play a full 80-minute match if he is to earn a place in the final World Cup squad of 30.

Ashton said: "He has to show he can play 80 minutes of rugby and there's no doubt in the Wasps coaches' minds that he can.

"There are places up for grabs and the World Cup training camp will be used as a training camp as well as a selection camp."

Dallaglio's club mate Fraser Waters has also been called up, but Bath lock Danny Grewcock was left out. He is banned from England's first two games in France.

Mike Tindall is also named even though he is recovering from a broken leg.

The squad must be cut to 30 players over the next two months, but England have matches against Wales and France before they name the final party.