Hill remains England's main injury concern

England coach Clive Woodward got mixed news when he received all his medical reports today, with flanker Richard Hill remaining…

England coach Clive Woodward got mixed news when he received all his medical reports today, with flanker Richard Hill remaining his major concern.

There was better news about winger Iain Balshaw, who should be fit for Sunday's World Cup quarter-final against Wales, while the jury is out on utility forward Martin Corry.

"We won't know finally until Wednesday but it looks like Iain Balshaw is going to be fine," Woodward said today.

Balshaw looked in terrific form as he scored two tries in England's 111-13 thrashing of Uruguay on Sunday before being carried off with a sprained ankle early in the second half.

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The Bath player, who can also operate at fullback, is likely to be on the bench for the Brisbane quarter-final if fully recovered.

Woodward also said that Corry was progressing well with his hamstring strain, although the arrival of lock Simon Shaw as a replacement for broken hand victim Danny Grewcock means that the coach does not have to take any risks.

"The biggest concern is Richard Hill. This niggling hamstring doesn't seem to go away," said Woodward.

Hill suffered the injury in England's opening game against Georgia and though it was never considered serious, he has not been able to play since.

Lewis Moody and Joe Worsley have both played in his usual position of number six but England have missed his reliable defending.

"Richard Hill is unique, his capacity and amazing work rate are well documented," said his regular back row partner Neil Back.

"The guys who have come in have different strengths, Joe and Lewis have come in and done a good job and England are blessed in the back row. But yes, we do miss him."

Back missed the Uruguay game with bruised ribs but said he was 100 per cent fit and had been taking part in full contact training.