The 79 times capped former England skipper, one of 12 survivors from England’s original 2003 World Cup squad, has a global stage to launch what could be his farewell season.

But while Dallaglio, 35 last week, made Ashton’s final cut, there was heartbreak for long-time Test colleague Mike Tindall, Wasps team-mates Tom Palmer, James Haskell and Danny Cipriani, Sale Sharks fly-half Charlie Hodgson, Newcastle midfield prospect Toby Flood, Bath full-back Nick Abendanon and Saracens prop Kevin Yates.

All eight fell at the final hurdle following a summer of punishing training that included Royal Marine exercises and working out in searing heat on the Portuguese Algarve.

Tindall ran out of time in his race to recover from a broken leg suffered four months ago, while Hodgson – although fully fit – has not played since he sustained a serious knee injury last November.

Ashton, quite simply, could not entertain the risk element involved with both players. Of the remaining casualties, Flood and Haskell probably have most cause to feel aggrieved.

The nervous selection waiting game had a positive outcome for Dallaglio though, and ex-Lions supremo Ian McGeechan has backed him to produce the goods.

Wasps rugby director McGeechan said: “There is no doubt Lawrence has proved himself in every way on the biggest stages rugby has to offer, not just on the field, but what he brings to the team environment.

“His inclusion has really vindicated the way we managed him at Wasps over the past 12 months, particularly in the second half of last season when he just became more and more effective with every game.

“I have no doubt that as a player and a leader, he will deliver for England in the coming weeks.”

Ashton’s squad, which will be captained by Wasps prop Phil Vickery, is largely as expected.

Ashton applied finishing touches in the wake of England’s 21-15 World Cup warm-up defeat against Twickenham visitors France two days ago.

Some of his final decisions would have been marginal calls, possibly those involving Flood, Haskell and Yates, but there is elation for ex-Great Britain rugby league skipper Andy Farrell, who figures despite making just four England appearances.

Farrell has been condemned in some quarters for his lack of pace in the union game, yet he offers considerable leadership qualities and mental toughness that Ashton so desires from those players entrusted with England’s World Cup defence.

Ashton said: “I have had to make some very difficult decisions in reducing the World Cup training squad to 30.

“I would like to thank all 47 members of the original squad who all put a tremendous amount of effort into their work with us, and their attitude throughout has been first class.

“I spoke to each of the players who would not be involved in the final 30 yesterday, and they were all obviously very disappointed not to be included.

“But I stressed to each of them that they could be invited back if a member of the squad suffers an injury either before, or during the World Cup.

“Mike Tindall has worked very hard to recover from his injury, and he was running last week.

“But it was agreed by the coaches that he and Charlie Hodgson, who is fit but like Mike has not played top level rugby for a number of months, could not use the final warm-up Test (against France in Marseille next Saturday) or the World Cup pool games as part of their rehab.

“Both of them have done everything that has been asked, and I wish them both well with their return to their clubs, and the other players who have not made the final 30.”

European champions Wasps provide the biggest single club representation with seven players, followed by five from Leicester.

Ashton announces his team to play France tomorrow, hoping that three players - Mark Cueto (groin), Peter Richards (back), Tom Rees (hamstring strain) – will have returned to training in Bath.

Rees’ fellow flanker Lewis Moody, meanwhile, is nursing a calf muscle injury that kept him out of the France reversal.

Cueto is favourite to wear England’s number 15 shirt at the World Cup after Ashton opted against selecting a specialist full-back, while Rees is the solitary natural openside flanker, although Moody and Joe Worsley offer experienced alternatives even if they are better suited in the blindside role.

Ashton’s aim during the August period has always been to field his strongest starting XV in Marseille.

And injuries permitting, the team that starts at Stade Velodrome next Saturday could be the one he envisages tackling pivotal World Cup pool opponents South Africa on September 14.

After the Marseille mission, England’s World Cup elite will enjoy a break before reassembling in London later this month and then heading to Paris on September 3.