England have concluded what manager Martin Johnson described as a “very productive” pre-RBS 6 Nations training camp in Portugal.
The squad returned home today following a final session at their Vilamoura base on the Algarve.
England kick off their RBS 6 Nations campaign against Italy at Twickenham tomorrow week.
Wasps prop Tim Payne sat out training today because of sore abdominal muscles, but is expected to resume preparations on Monday.
Bath flanker Michael Lipman, meanwhile, will return to his club this weekend after being assessed by England’s medical staff during the last few days.
Lipman went off midway through the first-half of Bath’s Heineken Cup draw with Toulouse last Sunday after taking a heavy blow to the side of his head.
With Lipman now out of the reckoning, England have opted to call up experienced Wasps back row Joe Worsley as Tom Rees’ replacement.
Worsley, who has been training with the senior squad in Portugal, has 69 caps for his country.
Three other players – London Irish pair Delon Armitage and Nick Kennedy, together with Sale Sharks back Mathew Tait – were released early from the camp to play for their clubs in Guinness Premiership games tomorrow.
Johnson said: “The five days have been very productive.
“The conditions were good and the players and coaches have enjoyed some quality training, preparation and analysis time together.”
The squad will reconvene at its Surrey training headquarters on Sunday evening, with Johnson due to name his team for the Italy opener next Tuesday.
With Lipman now out of the reckoning, England have opted to call up experienced Wasps back row Joe Worsley as Tom Rees’ replacement.
Worsley, who has been training with the senior squad in Portugal, has 69 caps for his country.
