England's World Cup prospects received a huge lift yesterday when long-term injured trio Will Greenwood, Paul Grayson and Phil Vickery were all cleared for the tournament in October.

Now all coach Clive Woodward needs is for former captain Lawrence Dallaglio to be freed to play by the Rugby Football Union after allegations of drugs taking.

Woodward does not rule out the possibility of Dallaglio leading England again but he is content with the job that current captain Martin Johnson is doing.

Woodward also welcomed back the injured trio after both Greenwood and Vickery had been major doubts.

Midfielders Grayson and Greenwood were hit by pelvic problems during last season while tight-head prop Vickery had an even longer-running neck complaint, the worst area for a prop.

England have lacked a cutting edge at centre since Greenwood, who has 10 caps, was hurt after scoring the clinching try in the World Cup qualifier against Italy in November.

European Champions Ulster will take on Glasgow Caledonians in a pre-season friendly in Stranraer on July 31st.