Wilkinson injury curse strikes again

The man whose famous drop goal won the trophy four years ago twisted his ankle in training today and was immediately ruled out of England's team for their opening match against USA in Lens on Saturday.

The 28-year-old outside-half was sent to a Paris hospital for a scan.

The ankle was twisted during a defence session at England's training ground here and the results of the scan will not be revealed until tomorrow.

Wilkinson, whose career has been dogged by injury since that magical day in Sydney against Australia, was central to England's bid to mount a creditable defence of their title. The No10 jersey will now be worn by Bath's Olly Barkley.

The ankle injury is a huge blow to a player who has missed 33 Tests since November 2003 through injuries to his shoulders, biceps, right groin and left knee.

England have won only 13 Tests in that time. In November 2005, Wilkinson also needed an emergency appendix operation.

Wilkinson's latest injury forced a late call-up for Barkley in a team that includes recalled Lawrence Dallaglio. Wasps star Josh Lewsey will win his 50th cap and head coach Brian Ashton has also found room for Joe Worsley and Tom Rees.

Barkley has had problems of his own in recent months, facing police questions over an alleged incident at the wedding of Bath team-mate Matt Perry which left a man needing medical attention.

The shock of Wilkinson's setback clouded the team announcement today, and despite head coach Ashton's attempts to limit the damage, it is obvious England have serious concerns over their talismanic outside-half.

There are five players in the team who started the World Cup Final - Lewsey, Phil Vickery, Ben Kay, Jason Robinson and Dallaglio.

With Barkley awarded a role in the team, there is a place on the replacements' bench for Andy Farrell, who switched from Rugby League to try to play in the biggest rugby tournament in the world. Thanks to injuries to other players, the Saracens star now has his wish.