England take out plenty of insurance for sidelined Wilkinson

LONDON - England rugby coach Andy Robinson responded to Jonny Wilkinson's latest injury by naming four first five-eighths in his 40-man squad for next month's internationals.

Wilkinson, England's captain, is set to be on the sidelines for up to six weeks to recover from bruising to his right arm.

His recent setback came after he returned from a career-threatening neck and shoulder injury which kept him out for eight months after England's World Cup victory over Australia last year.

Alongside Wilkinson in the England squad were fellow first five-eighths Charlie Hodgson (Sale), Alex King (Wasps) and Olly Barkley (Bath).

Robinson, who will take full charge of England for the first time in the Canada match on November 13, made no announcement about the captaincy, although Wilkinson's chances are fading.

Elsewhere, the former flanker gave a first senior call-up to Sale wing Mark Cueto and Newcastle halfback Hall Charlton.

Neither Cueto nor Charlton are in England's elite player squad, but both have been rewarded for good early season form and will now look to force their way into the reckoning for the Twickenham tests against Canada, South Africa and Australia.

"Injuries have also been a factor, but I am close to deciding my starting XV for our first game against Canada and look forward to getting the squad together next week to prepare for the internationals."

Robinson's squad features 19 survivors from last year's cup campaign where the new head coach was Clive Woodward's deputy.

Test itinerary

Nov 13: v Canada, Twickenham

Nov 20: v South Africa, Twickenham

Nov 27: v Australia, Twickenham


- NZPA