The former England captain needs to have a four-inch metal plate removed from the ankle he fractured on last summer's British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.

But the veteran number eight faces a dilemma as he also believes it is vital to get in a full programme of pre-season training to take him right through to the World Cup in France.

That would mean the operation, which will give him more flexibility in the damaged ankle, being carried out soon after the end of the current domestic season.

His club Wasps are chasing the double, being second in the Premiership and facing Welsh side Llanelli Scarlets in the final of the Powergen Cup at Twickenham on Sunday.

Dallaglio on Monday described the timing of the operation as a decision to be taken between England and Wasps.

He admitted: If I wasn't picked for the England tour people might say that's the end of my international career.

But he added: The plate in my ankle needs removing and if I'm to be a serious candidate for the Rugby World Cup that is something which needs to be done soon.

To prepare for the next 18 months or two years I think I would benefit from a very serious pre-season training programme, but if I go on tour and then have the operation there will be no pre-season training.

I would like to be part of the team for the tour and if I don't go I have got to back myself in terms of my ability to win a place in the team next season.

There are 16 Tests matches to the World Cup so there is obviously a lot of time in terms of games played to stake your claim.

It's a matter for consultation between England, Wasps and myself. I'm very happy with either going on tour or not.

Dallaglio revealed he will be happy to put the frustration of spending most of England's disappointing RBS 6 Nations campaign on the replacements bench behind him when he leads Wasps out on Sunday.

England coach Andy Robinson did not introduce Dallaglio as the team slipped to defeat in their final RBS 6 Nations match against Ireland at Twickenham and the former international team captain admitted: I was disappointed but I was probably more disappointed that I didn't get the opportunity to start any of the games.

Having being brought into the squad it would have been nice to have played one game.

My strengths would probably have been better used to start one game but the coach makes those decisions. I've spoken to Andy about that and respect what he said.

With the Rugby Football Union carrying out an investigation into England's modest campaign, which is due to be completed on April 28, Dallaglio added: Obviously the RFU are aware that things need to be done and what they are wary of is that there should be no knee-jerk reaction.

A lot of people's opinions have been sought and the appropriate decisions will be made in the best interests of the England team.

Wasps coach Ian McGeechan would prefer Dallaglio to have his operation sooner rather than later.

He said: The best time would appear to be as soon after the end of the season as possible.

McGeechan is backing England centre Stuart Abbott, who has agreed to sign for promoted Harlequins next season, to put everything into Wasps trophy chase before he leaves.

He maintained that Abbott will be considered for selection for the final on merit as always, adding: There is no question about his commitment to Wasps. He will be giving everything.