More injury worries for England

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Saracens centre Farrell will miss the game because of a strained calf muscle suffered when he chased a kick, and Barkley, who is among the contenders to replace him, is nursing a dead leg.

England head coach Brian Ashton will not make any public announcement about Farrell's replacement until on Friday lunchtime, but Barkley, 36-year-old Mike Catt and Toby Flood are the alternatives.

Ashton must decide whether or not to promote Barkley off the bench, go with the vastly-experienced Catt - a 2003 World Cup winner - or hand Flood a first appearance since he arrived in France as an injury replacement for his Newcastle colleague Jamie Noon.

The smart money is on Catt making a first start since he played at fly-half in England's record 36-0 World Cup defeat against South Africa at Stade de France 20 days ago.

Bath back Barkley, meanwhile, has moved to allay any fears about his fitness as England target a semi-final showdown against New Zealand or France in Paris on Saturday week.

He said: "I got a dead leg in training. I am walking fine and we will just have to wait and see what happens in selection."

Barkley admitted he would be disappointed if Ashton does not hand him the number 12 shirt but reflected on how injuries had dogged England's World Cup campaign.

Barkley, Jonny Wilkinson, Jason Robinson, Mark Cueto and now Farrell have all suffered cruel setbacks at various stages of the tournament which has forced Ashton into various degrees of chopping and changing.