Prop Phil Vickery should be fit to lead injury-hit England in Sunday's Six Nations match against Italy in Rome on Sunday after recovering from a calf injury.

"Phil Vickery did some work this morning, he trained this afternoon," England coach Brian Ashton told a news conference on Saturday.

"Unless there is a reaction overnight, he should be fit to take his place in the starting line-up."

Ashton admitted he was relieved after the World Cup finalists suffered a string of injury setbacks after last weekend's 26-19 defeat by Wales.

Centre Mike Tindall (bruised liver), wing David Strettle (foot) and flanker Tom Rees (knee) are out for the tournament, while Lewis Moody (Achilles) and Andrew Sheridan (leg abscess) miss the Rome game.

"I'm very pleased, it would have been more than misfortunate after losing five players (if Vickery were unavailable)," added Ashton.