Rugby World Cup: Joe Cokanasiga and Mark Wilson are doubts to play for England against Tonga

JOE COKANASIGA and Mark Wilson are doubts for England’s World Cup opener with Tonga.

Cokanasiga and Wilson are both struggling with knee injuries and are on separate training programmes to the rest of the squad.

The Bath winger and Sale Sharks flanker have a week to get ready for their first game of Japan 2019 in Sapporo.

But neither will be rushed back, either, as England’s second game is just four days later against the USA in Kobe.

Defence coach John Mitchell said: “When guys get knocks and niggles they go through a rehab process based on a specific injury.”

Mitchell also refused to write-off the threat of Tonga, a tier two side who were smashed 92-7 by tournament favourites New Zealand in their warm-ups fixtures.

Ex All Blacks player and boss Mitchell added: “The Tongans are a very hard-working people.

“They’re obviously very passionate when they do play for Tonga.

“They’re representing not only themselves and their family, but also a small island that’s produced a lot of very good rugby players.

“It will be a very special occasion for them. It’s something that will lift them.”