Stuart Lancaster has admitted he will consider resigning after England crashed out of the World Cup with a crushing 33-13 defeat to Australia.

England became the worst-performing host nation in World Cup history thanks to a record home defeat to the Wallabies, inspired by fly-half Bernard Foley.

When asked if he would reconsider his position, Lancaster said: “Yeah, obviously I think I’ve got to.

“It’s not just going to be my decision.

“We’ve still got another week to go.

“My priority is to get the team ready for Uruguay.

“It’s not up to me what happens elsewhere, so we’ve still got a lot of work to do.

“The responsibility and accountability lies with me, so clearly.”

Captain Chris Robshaw conceded his leadership role will also come under scrutiny moving forward, even though England must now face Uruguay next weekend in a dead rubber.

England cannot now reach the quarter-finals, while Australia’s victory ensures they progress to the last eight, with Wales qualifying too.

“I think this week we’re going to have to answer some really tough questions,” said Robshaw.

England’s worst nightmare became grim reality as they crashed out of the World Cup with a whimper after a 33-13 rout by Australia.

The fall-out will likely be vicious, with the future of Lancaster and his coaching lieutenants now in grave doubt, while the blood-letting could also account for Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie.