The gloom darkened further over the England camp toady with confirmation that centre Jamie Noon is unlikely to take any further part in the tournament while fullback Jason Robinson is also a major doubt.

Robinson was just about the only bright note in Friday's stunning 36-0 defeat by South Africa until he ripped a hamstring as he headed for the line in a rare England attack.

The tryscoring hero of the 2003 final has already retired from club rugby and last night's appearance, his 48th, is likely to be his last for his country.

Noon's tournament is over after he suffered knee ligament damage late in the match and was taken off on a stretcher.

"Jamie obviously suffered quite a serious injury, the full update will be given later on," England forwards coach John Wells said this morning.

"I'd like to say the news on Jason was more encouraging but he goes for a scan later on in the day and we'll know then. He's never had a hamstring injury in 16 years as he's told us."

England were already without injured outhalves Jonny Wilkinson and Olly Barkley, though both could be fit for next Saturday's game against Samoa in Nantes, now effectively a straight knockout match.