World champions England begin their title defence with an undemanding match against the United States in Lens. Click on the link below the photo for LIVE comments as all the action unfolds.

England will take the field once again without fly-half Jonny Wilkinson, who has played only seven times for his country since drop-kicking the winning goal against Australia in the 2003 final.

Wilkinson is suffering from an ankle injury and is battling against time to get fit for what is regarded as the Pool A decider against South Africa next Friday and possibly even for the rest of the tournament.

England captain Phil Vickery, who is positive about his team's chances of retaining the world title, did exhibit a degree of caution concerning the opening game.

"You look at it on paper and this is a team we should beat convincingly, but there is always that danger that if you don't treat them with respect then you will come unstuck," Vickery said.

"We have got to respect these guys. They are a very proud nation, they have got some very good players and they are playing the defending champions in the opening game of the Rugby World Cup."

Olly Barkley will step in for Wilkinson at fly-half. Opposite him at number 10 for the Eagles is veteran Mike Hercus, who will be charged with leading the USA in the face of their biggest challenge yet.

Teams:

England: 15 Mark Cueto, 14 Josh Lewsey, 13 Jamie Noon, 12 Mike Catt, 11 Jason Robinson, 10 Olly Barkley, 9 Shaun Perry, 8 Lawrence Dallaglio, 7 Tom Rees, 6 Joe Worsley, 5 Ben Kay, 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Phil Vickery (c), 2 Mark Regan, 1 Andrew Sheridan.

Replacements: 16 George Chuter, 17 Matt Stevens, 18 Martin Corry, 19 Lewis Moody, 20 Peter Richards, 21 Andy Farrell , 22 Mathew Tait.

United States: 15 Chris Wyles, 14 Salesi Sika, 13 Paul Emerick, 12 Vahafolau Esikia, 11 Takudzwa Ngwenya, 10 Mike Hercus (c), 9 Chad Erskine, 8 Henry Bloomfield, 7 Todd Clever, 6 Louis Stanfill, 5 Mike Mangan, 4 Luke Gross, 3 Chris Osentowski, 2 Owen Lentz, 1 Mike MacDonald.

Replacements: 16 Blake Burdette, 17 Matekitonga Moeakiola, 18 Alec Parker, 19 Inaki Basauri, 20 Mike Petri, 21 Valenese Malifa, 22 Albert Tuipulotu.

Reuters