Barkley’s withdrawal limits England’s options in the centre

ENGLAND’S options in selecting an exciting new centre combination for the RBS 6 Nations opener against Wales have been reduced by the withdrawal of Olly Barkley through injury.

Barkley has been ruled out of the clash with Wales at Twickenham on February 4 after sustaining a dislocated right thumb during Bath's 35-23 Heineken Cup defeat by Leinster on Sunday.

The 24-year-old's right hand is in a plaster cast and he will visit a specialist to assess the extent of the damage.