England have been consistently optimistic about their squad in the build-up to the World Cup Final but, with Willi Heinz ruled out and replaced by Ben Spencer, they are now sweating on the fitness of Kyle Sinckler.
Prop Sinckler had his calf strapped after leaving the field early against New Zealand and again trained separately from the rest of the squad on Wednesday.
The fact that England have not called up cover in a position where their only other specialist is Dan Cole suggests that Sinckler will be selected when England name their squad on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Owen Farrell and Jonny May are set to be available after suffering dead legs in the win over the All Blacks.
Jones must decide whether he wants to stick with George Ford, who was outstanding against New Zealand, at fly-half or bring in the extra defensive bulk of Henry Slade to midfield.
Joe Cokanasiga is unlikely to make England’s 23, but he has made the three-man short list for World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year, which will be announced on Sunday.
He joins France’s Romain Ntamack and South Africa’s Herschel Jantjies on the three-strong list.
