VERSAILLES (France) - ENGLAND outside-half Jonny Wilkinson has been ruled out of the defending champion's World Cup opener against the United States after twisting his ankle in training.

'Jonny Wilkinson twisted his ankle in training this morning (Tuesday) and is not available for selection,' said coach Brian Ashton.

'He is going for a scan this afternoon to determine the nature and the extent of the injury and until tomorrow (Wednesday) there will be no further medical update.'

The setback is the latest in a long list for the injury-plagued Wilkinson, who has made just seven England starts since kicking the World Cup-winning drop-goal against Australia four years ago.

The Newcastle player has suffered a litany of injuries to his knee ligaments, arm, shoulder and kidneys.

England play the United States in Lens on Saturday, and will go on to play South Africa, Samoa and Tonga in a hard-hitting pool. -- AFP