But while some of the hopefuls might get a chance in England’s final World Cup warm-up Test against France at Twickenham next Saturday, Balshaw is unlikely to feature.

He suffered a knock to his knee during the 17-16 loss against France in Marseille two days ago, and Woodward has already deemed him unavailable.

“Iain Balshaw won’t be available. He got a hit on his knee, but there is no-one we are worried about injury-wise in terms of World Cup selection,” said Woodward.

Balshaw returned to the England side at Stade Velodrome following his recent history of serious injury problems, but with the Six Nations champions boasting considerable strength at full-back and wing, his place in Australia remains uncertain.

Balshaw’s Bath-team-mate, centre Mike Tindall – who Woodward has revealed is a World Cup certainty – looks another non-starter in next weekend’s return fixture.

“I don’t see us playing Mike next week,” added Woodward. “He has a slight calf strain, and we don’t need to play him.”

Woodward has reiterated there will be no sentimental selections when he announces the World Cup squad.

The majority of the 30-man group would appear to be finalised, but areas such as centre back-up for Tindall and Will Greenwood, and half-back cover behind Jonny Wilkinson, Matt Dawson and Kyran Bracken, still need pinning down.

“We have got to be very hard-nosed about it now. The World Cup games against Georgia, South Africa and Samoa are just around the corner, and we have got to take tried and tested players,” Woodward said.

England will parade their galaxy of world stars – Wilkinson included – against France at Twickenham.

Woodward has used August appointments with Wales in Cardiff and France in Marseille to assess players pushing for World Cup places.

But the big names, people like fly-half Wilkinson, who will mastermind England’s bid for World Cup glory in Australia this autumn, are now poised for action.

“There are a lot of players going mad for a game of rugby, and we will be going with a more familiar-looking side next weekend,” said Woodward, whose squad enjoyed a day off today before reassembling tomorrow.

“You have got to give the guys a game, and Jonny Wilkinson will play next Saturday because he needs a game.

“If you don’t play them, then they would just explode. They need to play, and if everyone is fit, then all the main guys will play next weekend.”

England’s defeat in Marseille ended their 14-Test unbeaten record, but they will take encouragement that a largely full-strength French side struggled to defeat a red rose outfit containing probably only three first-choice performers.

Tindall scored England’s solitary try, while fly-half Paul Grayson kicked 11 points, but failed with two injury time drop-goal attempts that would have stolen victory.

France replied with a Nicolas Brusque try, and 12 points from the boot of fly-half Frederic Michalak.