Injury worries continue for England

England could suffer a double World Cup injury setback during the next 24 hours. Full-back Jason Robinson and centre Jamie Noon are both battling to play any further part in the tournament.

Robinson and Noon failed to last the distance as England suffered their record World Cup defeat in crashing 36-0 to South Africa at Stade de France last night.

Robinson, England’s outstanding player, suffered an injury to his left hamstring, while Noon was carried off on a stretcher nursing a left knee complaint.

Both players underwent scans this afternoon, but England will not issue any further updates until after a further clinical review tomorrow.

England must beat Samoa in Nantes next Saturday, otherwise they face the humiliating prospect of becoming the first reigning rugby world champions not to progress beyond the pool stage.

Noon’s Newcastle colleague Toby Flood would be the red hot favourite to fly out as a possible replacement, while Bath’s Nick Abendanon and Wasps’ Danny Cipriani would be challenging to take over from Robinson, together with Gloucester full-back Olly Morgan.

England still have injury troubles surrounding fly-halves Jonny Wilkinson and Olly Barkley, while skipper Phil Vickery is halfway through serving a two-match ban.

Wilkinson (ankle sprain) and Barkley (hip) both hope to be in contention to face Samoa, and England desperately need them fit after the Mike Catt-Andy Farrell midfield combination failed dismally last night.