PARIS - Johnny Wilkinson's injury jinx struck again today when a twisted ankle ruled him out of England's opening World Cup match against the United States on Sunday (NZ time).
Wilkinson had initially been included in the starting lineup for the Pool A match in Lens but willnow be replaced by Olly Barkley.
"Jonny twisted his ankle in a non-contact session this morning in training. He's going for a scan this afternoon to establish the seriousness of the problem and I won't know any more until he's had his scan and 24 hours have passed by," coach Brian Ashton told a news conference.
Wilkinson, who kicked the extra time drop goal that won the World Cup four years ago, has endured a nightmare with injuries since, representing his country just seven times.
Neck, arm, knee and ankle problems have dogged him throughout, although he travelled to France on the back of his longest run of uninterrupted game time since the last tournament.
"As ever, he's philosophical," said Ashton. "We picked a XV we think will do a job against America and he was in it. He's not now so we'll move on."
Ashton had said previously that he would select his strongest side for the opening game, with the bigger test of South Africa to come a week later.
On Tuesday, however, sounding subdued, he conceded only that it was the "strongest side to play America".
Lawrence Dallaglio, who played every minute of the 2003 campaign and is now back after retiring from the international game, starts at number eight alongside Joe Worsley and open side Tom Rees.
Josh Lewsey, another veteran of 2003, wins his 50th cap on the right wing, with Jason Robinson on the left and Mark Cueto at fullback.
Jamie Noon and Mike Catt are the two centres, with Andy Farrell on the bench.
"It's important that this side hits the ground running, then we'll assess what's required for the following week," said Ashton.
