England have resigned themselves to being without World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson for the Six Nations opener against Italy, opening the door for former Brighton schoolboy Alex King.

Coach Sir Clive Woodward admits Wilkinson's chances of playing in Rome on February 15 are remote.

Woodward has already ruled out injured fly-half understudy Charlie Hodgson for the Italy game and the trip to play Scotland six days later, leaving former Hove player King among the four potential candidates to fill the role.

The experienced Paul Grayson is favourite to get the nod but Woodward could also be keen to look at King along with Bath pair Olly Barkley and Mike Catt.

Wilkinson has struggled with neck and shoulder problems since his extra-time drop goal sealed victory in the World Cup final against Australia.

Woodward said: "We are assuming that Jonny is not going to be available.

"It is a big opportunity for one of these players, King, Grayson, Barkley and Catt, whoever we decide to pick."

Former England captain Martin Johnson is part of a four-man team which has taken charge of team affairs at Leicester Tigers after the Zurich Premiership strugglers parted company with rugby director Dean Richards yesterday.