England outhalf Jonny Wilkinson is a fresh doubt for the Six Nations game against Ireland in Croke Park on Saturday after sitting out training with hamstring injury.
The Newcastle player is scheduled to play only his third international game since the World Cup final in 2003, but this latest news will be a real blow to Brian Ashton's plans, considering the influence Wilkinson has had so far in the championship.
With winger Jason Robsinson also a doubt after injuring his neck in training yesterday, England could be denied their most potent scorers. Of the 62 points England have scored in the tournament, Wilkinson has scored 42 and Robinson 15.
Flanker Magnus Lund is the only other points scorer after that with a try in the 42-20 win over Scotland.
Speaking today Ashton said: "There will be no decisions on Jason and Jonny for at least another 24 hours, when we will assess the situation again."
Ashton has drafted in 23-year-old wing David Strettle as cover for Robinson and the experienced Mike Catt as an option in case Wilkinson is out.
Harlequins player Strettle is the form winger at the moment and has been scoring tries regularly for both his club and England A.
Catt has also been on form for England Saxons, playing an integral part in the demolition of Ireland A at Ravenhill on February 9th, in which Strettle also scored a try.
Meanwhile, Joe Worsley, who was recalled to the squad for the Dublin match, has been speaking about the prospect of playing at Croke Park.
The Wasps flanker told the RFU website: "This is a unique event that may never happen again. I'm very excited to be playing at Croke Park, I did history quite extensively at school, so it's such an honour to be able to play there. It's something I'm really looking forward to.
Worsley reckons Ireland are the form team at the moment despite the defeat to France, but insists that this England side knows what is expected of it.
"I watched the France game on TV and even then you could grasp the atmosphere. Ireland are a form team right now. Alongside the kiwis, who are always a very tough challenge, I would say they offer us a huge test."
