England await injury news

Jason Robinson appears to be England's biggest fitness concern as they begin preparations for their Twickenham clash against Six Nations title favourites France, but there are also worries over the availability of captain Phil Vickery and outhalf Jonny Willkinson, among others.

Vickery was helped off after taking a heavy blow — believed to be a punch — during Wasps' 28-0 victory over Bristol. He will be monitored for concussion over the next 48 hours.

Wilkinson limped away during the closing minutes of Newcastle's 38-12 defeat at London Irish and, although the initial diagnosis was cramp, the Six Nations' record pointscorer will undergo a hamstring scan later today.

Wilkinson had reportedly been suffering from a hamstring strain prior to taking to the field against Ireland.

Robinson has been given only a "50-50" chance of recovering in time from neck trouble. The Sale Sharks wing sat out his team's 22-9 league loss to Saracens, having missed England's record 43-13 Six Nations reversal against Ireland.

Sharks boss Philippe Saint-Andre is not optimistic about Robinson's immediate prospects, although he believes team-mate Lund will be fit after a bout of concussion.

Vickery received four minutes' treatment on the pitch, and Wasps rugby director Ian McGeechan said: "He took a heavy blow, so we got the message on the field to get him off.

"I didn't want to mess around, as there had been heavy contact. He's fine now. The doctor is having a look at him and we will speak to England — it was just a heavy blow he took."

As for Wilkinson, Newcastle boss John Fletcher initially said: "He has just got cramp, and that is why we took him off.

"Whether the cramp was anything else we will have to see. Basically, all you can do with that sort of acute injury is ice it. There is nothing else you can do for 24 to 48 hours."

Wilkinson has played just three of England's 33 Tests since their 2003 World Cup triumph, returning to Test action for this season's Six Nations tournament and amassing 50 points in games against  Scotland, Italy and Ireland.

If Wilkinson is ruled out of Ashton's plans to face the French, then his Newcastle colleague Toby Flood could realistically expect a first Test start following four appearances off the bench this season.

England coach Brian Ashton also has concerns over centre Farrell (back spasm), wing Strettle (leg) and lock Borthwick (rib) all on the agenda for fitness checks.

Farrell missed Saracens' game against Sale, but their rugby director Alan Gaffney said afterwards: "He's fine. He spent quite a bit of time in his car on Friday, which is not the best thing for him."