The news that Wasps centre Stuart Abbott broke his leg in Saturdays European Cup clash with Biarritz is just the latest blow to Englands hopes of sculpting a back-line capable of breaking down the best defences in world rugby.

Abbott joins fellow centres Mike Tindall and Will Greenwood on the long-term injury list and coupled with the loss of captain Jonny Wilkinson, as well as the recent drop in form of Henry Paul, Englands midfield cupboard suddenly looks alarmingly bare.

It is now almost certain that England will be forced to take the field against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on February 5 with one of the most inexperienced midfield combinations in their history, with a possible centre pairing of 22-year-old Ollie Smith alongside 18-year-old Matthew Tait.

Speaking during a break in the revolutionary cross-code training session with Leeds Rhinos at Headingley, the man charged with sharpening Englands attacking options admitted the rapidly-growing injury list was not making his already-tough job any easier.

Its certainly interesting with the amount of injuries weve had, Lydon said.
Were trying to challenge the players in their training environment but at the moment were being challenged as coaches.

Its easy to say that one persons misfortune is another persons opportunity, but we as coaches are having to deal with that situation week in and week out.

Were just going to have to work hard on getting the combinations right for Wales."