Former England captain Lewis Moody has said that he "prays" that Stuart Lancaster is appointed the next full-time coach of the national team.

Lancaster has been in temporary charge for the Six Nations and won plenty of fans for breathing fresh air into the squad.

Moody, who announced his retirement from rugby five days ago, has urged the Rugby Football Union to appreciate Lancaster's work so far.

"Stuart has got a great coaching team around him in Andy Farrell and Graham Rowntree," Moody told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I think at the end of the day, whether he stays in his role or not will depend on the next two matches and whether England can get a victory.

"I pray that it is Stuart Lancaster. I hope that there is not just change for change's sake. Stuart and his coaching team, for me, would be a preferred choice going towards [the World Cup in] 2015."

England and Lancaster face France at the Stade de France later this afternoon.