The world champions face two daunting tests in New Zealand before meeting Australia in a World Cup final rematch in Brisbane.

A third of the 30-man squad that claimed the Webb Ellis Cup last November look certain to miss the trip.

"It has been quite a season and it feels like it has been going on for two years, said Dallaglio.

We came back from Australia, got a great reception when we got back and then got back into club rugby to try and build on that England momentum.

It has been a great season and it is not finished yet for another three or four weeks - then we go to New Zealand for two Tests and to Australia for the rematch.

Already there are a few guys who are injured and a few more who seem to be dropping out by the second, but we still expect to take a strong side.

World Cup winners Martin Johnson, Neil Back, Dorian West and most recently Jason Leonard have all retired.

Phil Vickery faces a back operation and Sydney hero Jonny Wilkinson has yet to play since shoulder surgery at the turn of the year.

New London Irish centre Mike Catt has been plagued by hamstring trouble since the final and wing Dan Lugers England career looks over.

Lewis Moodys admission that he will not recover from a broken foot until the start of next season takes the total of missing men into double figures.

The Leicester flankers lineout catch started the passage of play that led to Wilkinsons dramatic winning drop-goal in Sydney last year - but he has appeared only twice for the Tigers since then.

It is frustrating to say the least as I have hardly played at all in the last two seasons for my club, said Moody.

It gets on top of you, particularly when you can see guys like Lawrence (Dallaglio) and Richard (Hill) running around enjoying themselves.

All you can do is look forward to your next game, which for me will be at the start of next season.

England will be short of back-up for props Trevor Woodman and Julian White, following Vickerys decision to undergo surgery and Sale youngster Andrew Sheridan's broken jaw.