Woodward has revealed that World Cup winners Martin Johnson, Neil Back and Lawrence Dallaglio would be welcome to become part of the Lions tour that visits New Zealand next summer.

Woodward, who will coach the Lions, insists those players must show a real desire to become involved and return to the international arena.

He told BBC Radio 4: The tour is open to anybody. It is important they say yes, I really want to play for the Lions. It is not a case of me trying to persuade them.

They would not have to play for England but it would need a compelling reason for me to go outside those currently playing international rugby.

They would have to really want to do it.

Its not up to me to persuade people to play for the Lions.

The former England supremo also believes Jonny Wilkinson and Phil Vickery are the top candidates to become the next England captain and claims Wilkinson is in pole position to be handed the role.

He said: Wilkinson is the favourite. He is playing fantastically well and I think England will come out firing.

Every captain is different. Wilkinson has captained England before and the biggest thing is that he wants to do it.

He is a superstar player and the future of England rugby. He is an absolute role model.