KEY POINTS:
England coach Brian Ashton has played down fears over the extent of an injury to skipper Phil Vickery, saying he will be fully fit for the World Cup kick-off next month.
Vickery was concussed in a midfield collision during England's defeat against France in Marseille on Sunday.
Early signs did not look good as Vickery was carried off, but the England camp was positive about his recovery prospects.
"Phil is fine," said Ashton. "I had breakfast with him this morning.
"The England doctor said 50 per cent of guys [concussed] in the premiership play the following week, and the way Phil was this morning, the indication is he will be fine come the start of the World Cup."
England begin their World Cup campaign against the United States on September 9, and meet South Africa six days later.
Vickery was not the only England player injured in a bruising encounter.
Leicester flanker Martin Corry limped off with a knee problem, and halfback Shaun Perry has a leg injury. Also injured are flanker Lewis Moody (calf muscle) and halfback Peter Richards (back).
- AFP
