Fly-half Wilkinson, who has not played international rugby since the 2003 World Cup due to a catalogue of injuries, could still tour New Zealand with the British & Irish Lions this summer.

Wilkinson was not named in Sir Clive Woodward's original 44-man squad, but he has the option of adding him if he proves his match fitness over the next few weeks.

Fellow Lions hopefuls Phil Vickery and Mike Tindall will also travel to Canada in a squad captained by Worcester flanker Pat Sanderson.

England face Canada in Edmonton on June 19, when they should progress to the final seven days later against Argentina or the USA - although caps are not being awarded.

With England head coach Andy Robinson on Lions duty, his red rose assistant Joe Lydon will take charge of the Churchill Cup campaign.

I think it is right that Wilkinson, Tindall and Vickery are announced in our squad, said Robinson.

If any of them are later called up for Lions duty, then great, they will go with our blessing. If not, they will all benefit from being on the Churchill Cup tour.

Woodward said: "I spoke to Andy Robinson this morning about Tindall, Vickery and Wilkinson being named in the Churchill Cup squad, and it is the right thing to do at this stage.

"None of the players are in the position to confirm their full fitness and so availability for the Lions Tour - and if they don't tour with the Lions then they will all benefit from being on the Churchill Cup Tour. We would wish them every success if that is what happens.''

Wilkinson made his latest comeback off the bench for Newcastle in their Premiership clash against Northampton 11 days ago, and he could start when London Irish visit Kingston Park next Sunday.

Since the World Cup campaign, he has suffered two knee injuries, a career-threatening neck/shoulder problem and a biceps injury.

Tindall (foot) and Vickery (arm) are also in Lions contention, although Woodward has yet to make a decision regarding their availability tour. The Lions leave for New Zealand on May 25.

Sanderson, meanwhile, will skipper a squad that includes established England names such as Andy Gomarsall and Olly Barkley, in addition to exciting young talent like Harlequins wing Ugo Monye, Newcastle centre Mathew Tait and Leeds midfield prospect Chris Bell.

But there is no place for former Great Britain rugby league captain Andy Farrell, who recently switched codes by quitting Wigan and joining Saracens.

In addition, several players will either be rested or have not been considered due to injuries. That list includes wing Mark Cueto, centre Jamie Noon, scrum-half Harry Ellis and flanker Joe Worsley.

This is a tour with a serious purpose for England, very much looking to the future, said Lydon. There is a nice blend of experience and young talent involved.

We decided to rest some key players this summer who played a large part in the recent RBS 6 Nations, so they can be fully prepared for next season and the important autumn Tests.

Others, such as Alex King, Leon Lloyd and Andy Beattie, could not be considered because of injuries.

On his appointment as captain, 27-year-old Sanderson added: I am overjoyed by the news, just thrilled, really.

This is a great set of players, and the Churchill Cup is a good tour to bring on new talent as well.

England squad for Churchill Cup competition in Edmonton, Canada, June 19-26.

Backs: U Monye (Harlequins), P Sackey (Wasps), T Voyce (Wasps), J Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester), M Tait (Newcastle), M Tindall (Bath), C Bell (Leeds), J Wilkinson (Newcastle), O Barkley (Bath), A Goode (Leicester), A Gomarsall (Gloucester), P Richards (Wasps).

Forwards: M Worsley (Harlequins), P Freshwater (Perpignan), P Vickery (Gloucester), W Green (Wasps), G Chuter (Leicester), P Greening (Wasps), L Deacon (Leicester), T Palmer (Leeds), S Hooper (Leeds), C Jones (Sale Sharks), A Hazell (Gloucester), P Sanderson (Worcester, capt), J Forrester (Gloucester), H Vyvyan (Saracens).

Players on stand-by: M Perry (Bath), A Erinle (Wasps), A Higgins (Bath), S Bemand (Leicester), M Shelley (Leeds), M Ward (Newcastle), L Mears (Bath), R Birkett (Wasps), P Dowson (Newcastle).