England have released Delon Armitage, Ugo Monye and Courtney Lawes from the squad for Saturday’s final RBS Six Nations game against France in Paris.
The absence of the out-of-form Armitage looks set to give Ben Foden his first start at full-back, while Monye’s exit could see a reshuffle in the backs.
Mike Tindall could come into the starting XV at centre, with winger Chris Ashton tipped to make his debut.
Captain Steve Borthwick will have his knee injury assessed on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old left England’s base at Pennyhill Park after a light training session on Tuesday to seek specialist treatment on the problem.
England manager Martin Johnson, who will name his side at 1300 GMT on Wednesday, said: “Steve has gone for treatment for a long-term wear-and-tear issue.
“Hopefully it is just precautionary and he will be fine.”
Armitage and Monye have started all of England’s games so far in the Six Nations, while Lawes came off the bench against Scotland to win his second cap.
London Irish full-back Armitage has struggled for form since returning from injury, while Monye – who was taken off at Murrayfield on a stretcher after a nasty clash of heads – has also not been at his best during a campaign in which England’s backline has struggled for fluency.
Lawes, meanwhile, is seen as one of the most dynamic and promising young forwards in the English game, but Johnson looks set to prefer the vastly more experienced Simon Shaw at the Stade de France.
The trio were among 11 players released from the squad on Tuesday, with Steffon Armitage, Jordan Crane, Shontayne Hape, Charlie Hodgson, Paul Hodgson, Lee Mears, Matthew Mullan and Dan Ward-Smith the others to be deemed surplus to requirements.
More to follow.
