Lawrence Dallaglio believes the British and Irish Lions had a chance to make an impact in New Zealand - but the difference between the teams was "a bit of class".

Sir Clive Woodward's men were emphatically beaten 3-0 in the Test series against the All Blacks, with the Lions head coach criticised for a number of selections.

Dallaglio, who was ruled out of the tour after suffering an ankle injury in the opening tour match against Bay of Plenty, believes Woodward was not helped by a series of crucial injuries.

Dallaglio said: "People look at the Tests as the main reason to go out there," he said.

"Everything else went very well apart from the Tests. We didn't just lose them, we lost them by convincing margins. I know Clive very well and he will be very disappointed but he will take the criticism and absorb most of it.

"We can look at the mistakes in terms of selection but right from the start things didn't go to plan. I wanted to make an impression but that lasted 25 minutes until I broke my ankle.

"I don't think the Lions lack enthusiasm and commitment but the difference was a bit of class. What's disappointing is that I think they are beatable when you put them under pressure, they react differently.

"It's easy to criticise but you have to look at the reasoning behind it. Where perhaps we did go wrong is the players didn't get to play enough. They all want to make an impression but only get a chance once every two weeks - that's how to gain momentum and get to know each other."

Dallaglio has retired from England duties and is not thinking about a possible return at the moment, adding: "I think you never say never but the most important thing is to get back in black for Wasps, that's the basis from which you get selected for anything.

"We shall see, in my opinion there are lots of things that need to change for England to move forward, I don't think they have quite shaken off the World Cup tag. We need to breathe fresh air into English rugby whether that's new players or whatever.

"I think the emphasis has to switch to World Cup 2007 and I don't think that has quite happened yet."