Flankers Colin Charvis and Martyn Williams, who both toured Australia with the British and Irish Lions in 2001, are expected to miss the Millennium Stadium clash on February 5.

Newcastle forward Charvis is suffering from a foot problem and faces at least another fortnight on the sidelines, while Cardiff Blues skipper Williams has disc trouble in his neck.

Wales coach Mike Ruddock has drafted Neath-Swansea Ospreys forward Richie Pugh into the Six Nations squad as cover for vice-captain Charvis, with Cardiff's Robin Sowden-Taylor also called up to train.

Wales have not beaten in England in Cardiff since 1993, but the probable loss of Charvis, especially, has dented their victory hopes.