Stuart Lancaster admits end is nigh after England are dumped out of their own World Cup by Australia

England coach Stuart Lancaster apologised and admitted his future is uncertain after Australia inflicted his side’s second devastating World Cup defeat in a week.

The 33-13 loss at Twickenham on Saturday saw England become the first host nation to exit a World Cup before the knockout stage.

Asked if he was considering his position after the loss, Lancaster said: “Yeah, obviously I think I’ve got to. It’s not just going to be my decision.”

“The responsibility and accountability lies with me” added Lancaster, who was controversially given a contract extension last year that took him to 2020 – beyond the next World Cup in Japan.

The coach said his priority was to prepare England for their final, and meaningless, pool A match against Uruguay in Manchester next Saturday.

England were outplayed by Australia – for whom fly-half Bernard Foley scored 28 points, including two tries – but Lancaster urged England fans to keep faith with the youthful squad.

“There are a lot of good young players in that team and it’s important the country stays behind them – 24 out of that 31-man squad are playing in their first World Cup.