England captain Phil Vickery has handed the World Cup finalists an injury scare ahead of Sunday's Six Nations clash against Italy in Rome.

England's build-up to the game has already been scarred by losing five players for the Stadio Flaminio encounter.

Centre Mike Tindall, prop Andrew Sheridan, wing David Strettle, plus flankers Lewis Moody and Tom Rees had already been ruled out.

And Vickery could now join them after injuring his right calf during training this morning.

England say it is too early at this stage to make an announcement on his fitness for Sunday, but uncapped Bristol prop Jason Hobson has been drafted into the squad and will travel to Rome tomorrow, as will Vickery.