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London - Caretaker coach Stuart Lancaster says he wants to take over the England job on a long-term basis after Wednesday confirming he will apply for the position advertised by the Rugby Football Union.
"I will be applying. The job has been advertised. It's a good job and I am sure there will be a lot of interest worldwide and in England," said Lancaster, who has impressed RFU executives since taking over from Martin Johnson in a caretaker capacity.
The deadline for applications is February 15, just two matches into England's Six Nations title defence which starts next month.
"My hat will be in the ring," said Lancaster. "I love working with teams and trying to help players improve. The opportunity to do that at the highest level with England is fantastic."
Other names linked with the role include former South Africa and Italy boss Nick Mallett and former All Blacks coach Wayne Smith along with Northampton's director of rugby Jim Mallinder.
The RFU has given itself until England's tour of South Africa in June to find a permanent successor to Johnson, who resigned following a poor campaign marred by disciplinary problems at the recent World Cup in New Zealand.
