Jonny Wilkinson out of autumn Tests

Jonny Wilkinson has been ruled out of England's autumn international campaign with a shoulder injury.

The Toulon fly-half has been formally replaced in Martin Johnson's 32-man elite squad by Sale's Charlie Hodgson.

Wilkinson does not require surgery but the Rugby Football Union confirmed he will be out of action for around four weeks. He saw a specialist on Tuesday after reporting to England's training camp with a shoulder problem sustained in Toulon's defeat to Stade Francais last Saturday night.

Toby Flood is now certain to start against the All Blacks with Hodgson set to be named in a Test squad for the first time since 2008.

England's team to face to the All Blacks is beginning to take shape.

Johnson's decision to release Tim Payne and Paul Doran-Jones back to their clubs this weekend points to Andrew Sheridan and Dan Cole as the starting props, with David Wilson providing back-up from the bench now he has beaten a back problem.

With Riki Flutey still sidelined by a calf injury, Mike Tindall and Shontayne Hape are set to continue their midfield partnership.