SM
Spurs vs. Liverpool: 21 hrs 51 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

England hope Ashton will be available for their last two Six Nations matches

:Headline: England hope Ashton will be available for their last two Six Nations matches: ID:350733: from db_amp
Ashton suffered the injury in training during the squad's three-day camp in London.

England hope to have Chris Ashton available for the final two rounds of their Guinness Six Nations title quest as the Sale wing battles a calf strain.

Ashton suffered the injury in training during the squad's three-day camp in London and will receive treatment at his club Sale this week, ruling him out of Saturday's showdown with Wales in Cardiff.

It is hoped the Sharks wing will return in time to face Italy and Scotland, however.

Jack Nowell was among the heroes in the 32-20 victory over Ireland but was demoted to the bench against France, enabling Ashton to make his first Six Nations start for six years.

Nowell is firm favourite to reclaim the number 14 jersey against Warren Gatland's title challengers, but another option is Joe Cokanasiga.

Cokanasiga played his first game for over two months in Bath's victory against Newcastle on Saturday having recovered from a knee injury and is in strong contention for a bench role at the Principality Stadium.

"Jack was very impressive against Ireland and brings a slightly different skill set to Chris. He's very capable in the air as well," Mitchell said.

Nowell could replace Ashton against Wales (Steven Paston/PA)

"It was really important for Joe to get some rugby for Bath. It's always good to cross the line as a winger so that was probably very good for him mentally.

"Another week this week will prepare him even better. He's a big strong lad and is also good in the air as well."

England and Wales are the only teams with 100 per cent records in the Six Nations after two rounds, setting up a mouthwatering collision.

"Wales are pretty good and have been improving progressively over a long period of time under Warren," Mitchell said.

"They have a style of rugby that suits them and they're very comfortable with that.

"They're a very passionate rugby country.

"They enjoy moving the ball and have a lot of variety in their game as well, so that makes them a different threat."

amp_article__350733 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-02-18 19:01:48:
html db last update - 2019-02-18 19:01:48 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Chris Ashton

Click here for more stories about England

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool19144147192846
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest20124429191040
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham207943027330
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2044123145-1416
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .