Paul James could add to the Welsh injury list

Wales and Bath Prop Paul James is Wales' biggest injury concern ahead of Wales Pool A showdown against host nation England on Saturday.

James, who would most likely have started on the bench for the Twickenham clash, suffered a tight calf muscle during last weekend's 54-9 victory over Uruguay, as did incumbent tighthead Samson Lee.

"Samson is further in front than Paul. We'll just have to wait and see," Wales assistant coach Rob Howley said.

"With our medical team we've got, we trust in them making that call. There are props on stand-by. We're waiting to make that call when we need to.

"We have already contacted Rugby World Cup, and there is special dispensation for front-rows which allows us to bring someone in even 24 hours before a game."

There is also some definite good news on the horizon for Wales. Despite a knock to his thigh during the Uruguay encounter Full-back Liam Williams is set to line up on Saturday after taking a full part in training on Wednesday.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland will formally announce his starting XV on Thursday morning, and injuries permitting, there appears to be just two major selection debates.

The New Zealander must decide whether to drop out-of-form winger Alex Cuthbert in favour of Newport Gwent Dragons’s 20 year-old utility back Hallam Amos, while the hooking berth appears to be a straight decision between Osprey Scott Baldwin and Scarlet Ken Owens.

Howley, meanwhile, has described England centre Sam Burgess as "an imposing figure" ahead of the cross-code convert’s expected promotion to starting duty on Saturday.

Wales are set to face a reshaped England midfield of Owen Farrell, Burgess and Brad Barritt, with Burgess starting despite having just 112 minutes of Test rugby union experience under his belt since switching codes last October.

"Andy Farrell (England assistant coach) introduced me to him (Burgess) on the Lions tour in 2013," Howley said. "He's an imposing figure.

"I was impressed when he played with (Henry) Slade against France (last month). His ability to run hard lines and having that creative edge outside makes it more difficult defensively.

"It is important when playing against players like Sam to close down their space. It will be a challenge if Sam is playing at 12 at the weekend."

Asked to assess the difference between Farrell and the man he is set to replace, George Ford, Howley added: "George has been immense for England, with his ability to play ball in hand.

"Owen is great with ball in hand, his running threat and his kicking is very good. He likes pressurised games. It's nice to have that choice, and I am sure Stuart Lancaster and his coaching team will get that right."