Sheridan is ruled out by wasp sting

England prop Andrew Sheridan has been ruled out of Saturday's clash with France in Marseille after being admitted to a Bath hospital with an infected wasp sting.

Sheridan, one of England's big successes during their 21-15 defeat by France at Twickenham on Saturday, was due to play in the final warm-up match but is currently on an intravenous drip which is being used to treat the infection.

He is expected to stay in hospital until the end of the week.

Brian Ashton, the head coach, has been forced to change his plans for this final match due to illness and the lack of opposition put up by Wales two weeks ago.

He said: "Sheridan was taken to hospital and put on a drip because an insect bite became infected. He is not available to play against France.

"We have called up Sale's Richard Wrigglesworth as cover for Peter Richards, who has suffered another reaction to his back problem. Richards was fine yesterday when we named him in the 30-strong Cup squad but it has flared up again."

Ashton will now only field his strongest XV in the opening World Cup pool match against USA but he does not believe this will be a problem.