We must cut out mistakes - Wilkinson

England's chronic lack of creativity meant they failed to score a try in two warm-up Tests against France - the latest a 22-9 defeat in Marseille - while numerous mistakes also played into opposition hands.

"We need to hold on to the ball - that is where tries come," said Wilkinson. "It is simple for us. We know it is all there, and we know what the answer is. We just need to let it all come through by knocking on the head these errors."

He added: "It is about holding our discipline, creating pressure and gaining momentum."

World Cup captain Phil Vickery will undoubtedly enforce similar messages - assuming he is fit for England's tournament opener against the USA on September 8.

The Wasps prop was concussed in a midfield collision at Stade Velodrome, and while early signs did not look good as Vickery was stretchered away, the England camp remain positive about his recovery prospects.

"Phil is fine," said coach Brian Ashton. "The (England) doctor said to me you just do not know in these situations until 24 or 48 hours down the line.

"He said 50% of guys (concussed) in the Guinness Premiership play the following week, and the way Phil was on Sunday morning, the indication is he will be fine come the start of the World Cup."

Vickery was not the only England player who failed to last the distance in a bruising encounter.

Leicester flanker Martin Corry limped off with a knee problem, while scrum-half Shaun Perry suffered a dead leg, joining casualties from England's Bath training base - flanker Lewis Moody (calf muscle) and scrum-half Peter Richards (back).