England have called up Toby Flood to replace injured centre Jamie Noon in their World Cup squad.

Flood, who can play at centre or fly-half, was a surprise omission from Brian Ashton's original squad and his absence was sorely felt during England's 36-0 thrashing by South Africa, which both Jonny Wilkinson and Olly Barkley - the only specialsit fly-halves in the squad - missed through injury. Ashton is believed to have considered sending one of them home in order to call up Flood last week, but the far more serious knee ligament injury suffered by Noon during that match has made his decision more straightforward.

Wilkinson, who has missed both games so far after twisting ankle in training, has now declared himself fit for Saturday's pool match against Samoa, though it is not yet clear whether Barkley will be back from his hip injury. Either way England will be grateful for the different option offered by the more creative Flood, who picked up the man of the match award in Newcastle's victory over Sale in the Guinness Premiership on Sunday.