Bagshot (England): England coach Clive Woodward said Monday he was“99 percent certain” that flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson would miss England’s six nations opener against Italy in Rome on February 15 because of a neck injury.

Wilkinson has played less than an hour for his club Newcastle since his extra-time drop goal won the World Cup final last November.

“I’m assuming he won’t be fit,” the coach told a news conference at the team’s training base. “I met with him on Saturday morning and I’m 99 percent convinced he won't be playing.

“There’s a chance but in terms of our planning I’m assuming not.”