England wait on Wilkinson fitness

World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson will be assessed by England’s medical staff next week – but his chances of making the RBS 6 Nations Championship opener against Italy appear remote.

England boss Clive Woodward has already ruled out five injured players for the February 15 clash in Rome – centres Mike Tindall and Stuart Abbott, fly-half Charlie Hodgson, prop Julian White and flanker Lewis Moody.