England's preparations for the Six Nations have been dealt another blow with Mike Tindall forced to return early from the squad's training camp in Portugal for a scan on a thigh injury. The Gloucester centre's departure from the Algarve, while initially thought to be precautionary, has raised concerns ahead of the opening match against Wales in Cardiff on Friday.
If Tindall fails to recover, England coach Martin Johnson faces a selection dilemma, particularly with Delon Armitage suspended. Options include moving Matt Banahan to outside centre or pairing Shontayne Hape with Riki Flutey, though neither offers the experience and continuity of Tindall. Meanwhile, Hendre Fourie is struggling with a calf strain, and Lewis Moody, Tom Croft and Courtney Lawes are already ruled out.
Despite the setbacks, full-back Ben Foden expressed confidence in the squad's ability to challenge for the title. 'It would be a failure in our eyes if we don't mount a serious challenge,' he said. 'We're a confident squad and we feel we're going in the right direction. The next step is to kick it up a level and hopefully win a Six Nations.'
Foden acknowledged the importance of a strong campaign ahead of the World Cup, emphasising that winning is the priority over style. 'Whether we win 6-3 or 29-28, it doesn't matter as long as the game is won,' he added. He also welcomed the hostile atmosphere expected in Cardiff, describing it as 'playing the villain in a pantomime.'
In other news, Manu Tuilagi is set to make his England Saxons debut against Italy A at Worcester on Saturday. The 19-year-old Leicester centre is the sixth brother of the Tuilagi family, four of whom have played for Samoa. Saxons coach Stuart Lancaster noted that the players have 'everything to play for in a World Cup year.'
