Wilkinson named in England squad to face Barbarians

LONDON - First five-eighths Jonny Wilkinson has been included in a strong 29-man England squad to play the Barbarians at Twickenham on May 28.

The 25-year-old, who has just returned to action after his latest knee injury, was named along with fellow World Cup winners Mike Tindall and Phil Vickery.

The trio have also been selected in a 26-man England squad to play in the June Churchill Cup tournament in Canada.

Wilkinson has been plagued by injury and has not played a test since kicking the winning drop goal in the 2003 World Cup final against Australia.

He was left out of the British and Irish Lions for the tour of New Zealand, which starts in June, but coach Clive Woodward has said he will add Wilkinson if he proves his fitness in time.

Wilkinson made his first start for his club Newcastle on Saturday since aggravating a knee injury on his comeback from shoulder problems on March 13. He kicked six penalties in the 23-16 win over London Irish.

- REUTERS