England wait over Borthwick

Fitness concern for England over skipper

By Rachel Griffiths   Last updated: 18th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

England wait over Borthwick

Borthwick: Fitness concern

Steve has gone for treatment for a long-term wear and tear issue he has got with his knee. I don't know (whether he is a doubt) at the moment.

Martin Johnson
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England captain Steve Borthwick is not certain to be fit for Saturday's final RBS Six Nations showdown against France.

The lock sought specialist treatment on a long-term knee injury on Tuesday morning following a light training session at Pennyhill Park.

England manager Martin Johnson will confirm his team for the Stade de France clash at lunchtime on Wednesday.

However he admits there is a concern over Borthwick's fitness and is expecting an update later on Tuesday.

Treatment

"Steve has gone for treatment for a long-term wear and tear issue he has got with his knee. I don't know (whether he is a doubt) at the moment," said Johnson.

"He has to go and seek some advice. Hopefully it is just precautionary and he will be fine. Lots of guys carry things because they play a lot of rugby."

England also have injury worries over Ugo Monye and Jonny Wilkinson, who were both replaced early in last Saturday's 15-15 draw against Scotland after suffering heavy blows to the neck and head respectively.

Wilkinson, who collided with Borthwick's hip and was consequently ordered to sit in a darkened room, must pass a series of cognitive tests before being given the green light to play in Paris.

Monye damaged his neck after clashing with Scotland flanker Kelly Brown, but England medics report he is making "good progress" and the Harlequins winger is prepared to play.

Returning to the selection equation, meanwhile, are fit-again lock Simon Shaw, full-back Ben Foden and centres Shontayne Hape and Mike Tindall.

France will wrap up their first Grand Slam since 2004 if they see off England on Saturday night.

Form

"They have been the form team of the tournament but we are an international team playing for England and we want to perform," said Johnson.

"They have got a lot to lose in terms of not winning a Grand Slam. We have a lot to lose every time we play for England.

"Frustration was the buzzword on Saturday within our group and not much has changed.

"The perception that the team is shackled and inhibited is wrong. We tried to do the right thing most of the time against Scotland but the mistakes killed us."