Sir Clive Woodward has identified his preferred replacements for Eddie Jones - who could be sacked as England boss as early as next week.
Jones is on the brink as England head coach after presiding over a disastrous autumn series. The Red Rose were defeated by Argentina and brutally torn apart by South Africa.
England did salvage a dramatic draw against New Zealand - but that result has done little to change the feeling discontent after just one victory over Japan.
Jones is set to learn his fate next week at the conclusion of a Rugby Football Union inquest into the miserable autumn campaign. The 62-year-old's position is hanging by a thread as he waits to find out whether he will lead England into the 2023 World Cup in France after a year where he was accumulated six defeats and just five wins.
Woodward, who famously guided England to the Web Ellis trophy in 2003, has been among Jones' fiercest critics. And he has now lambasted the 'amateurish' RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney and director of performance Conor O’Shea over the duo's apparent incompetence in running the organisation with 'no transparency or accountability.'
"I’ve been a strong critic of Jones, but I feel a bit sorry for him now because the guys who he thought were his mates in Sweeney and O’Shea might ditch him to save their own necks," Woodward wrote in his Daily Mail column. "I can see that happening."
"O’Shea even being in the frame to succeed Jones is laughable, not only because of his shocking record as Italy coach but also the fact he is involved in the current England review. English rugby is a mess in so many areas with no light at the end of the tunnel."
Warren Gatland has been tipped as an early contender to replace Jones - but England could be rivalled across the severn bridge as he is also said to be a favourite to return and replace Wales boss Wayne Pivac - who is also on the chopping block.
However, Woodward believes Gatland's fellow New Zealander, Crusaders boss Scott Robertson, is the only standout candidate for the role alongside Irish great Ronan O'Gara.
"I’m not sure how this ends for Jones but it doesn’t look good," he added. "If the RFU decide to change things, the only person who would make me go, ‘Wow’, would be Scott Robertson. He would bring some stardust and a different culture to England which is much needed.
"He would be my No 1 choice. Ronan O’Gara is second, but it seems he’s staying at La Rochelle. But even if Robertson is appointed, it won’t solve the murky RFU’s leaders."
