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LONDON - England winger David Strettle is in danger of missing next month's rugby World Cup after breaking a bone in his left foot during training on Wednesday.
The Harlequins back, who played in England's record 62-5 win over Wales at Twickenham last weekend, broke his fifth metatarsal in a running exercise and will see a specialist in London for further assessment.
"I'm obviously sorry to hear about David's injury and I wish him a speedy recovery," said England head coach Brian Ashton, who opted against calling up a replacement for Sunday's (NZT) warmup match against World Cup hosts France at Twickenham.
Strettle, 23, who broke into the side during this year's Six Nations, was not one of the 11 changes to the England side selected to meet France.
Forward Dan Ward-Smith was released from the squad after failing to prove his fitness following a knee injury.
Ashton said he had talked to Ward-Smith about his fitness on Monday and they agreed the player was not ready for the warm-up fixtures.
"There is a big difference between playing in a game to aid rehabilitation and playing to prepare for the World Cup," Ashton said.
"He is better off going back to (his club) Bristol and proving his fitness. He could be called up as cover for the squad if he plays two or three games."
Ashton retained only four of the team that thrashed Wales 62-5 last Sunday in his 15 for the first of two meetings with the World Cup hosts France this month.
Former captain Lawrence Dallaglio was recalled at number eight, for his first start since 2004, and first five-eighths Jonny Wilkinson, who kicked 17 points last weekend, moved to the bench.
The four survivors of England's record win over the Welsh are Shaun Perry, Andrew Sheridan, Simon Shaw and Mark Regan.
Captain Phil Vickery, who limped off at halftime with an ankle injury, has been included on the bench and the experienced Mike Catt takes over as skipper.
Centre Mike Tindall, who broke his leg in April and first five-eighths Charlie Hodgson were omitted from the squad. Hodgson suffered a serious knee injury in South Africa last November.
Ashton is due to announce his squad for the World Cup in France on August 14 before meeting the tournament hosts in Marseille on August 18.
England
15-Nick Abendanon, 14-Paul Sackey, 13-Jamie Noon, 12-Mike Catt (captain), 11-Josh Lewsey, 10-Olly Barkley, 9-Shaun Perry, 8-Lawrence Dallaglio, 7-Lewis Moody, 6-James Haskell, 5-Ben Kay, 4-Simon Shaw, 3-Matt Stevens, 2-Mark Regan, 1-Andrew Sheridan.
Replacements: 16-Lee Mears, 17-Phil Vickery, 18-Martin Corry, 19-Joe Worsley, 20-Andy Gommarsall, 21-Jonny Wilkinson, 22-Danny Cipriani.
- REUTERS
