TIME is running out for Charlie Hodgson to book his place in England's World Cup squad.

Manager Clive Woodward has admitted that Hodgson is unlikely to be fit in time to make the final 30 when it is announced on September 8.

Woodward initially named a 43 strong squad for three warm-up internationals, but left the door open for Hodgson to see whether he would recover from the knee injury he picked up in March playing against Italy.

Hodgson himself admitted that his recovery was progressing slowly, and it is unlikely that he will be playing rugby before the final squad is named.

At a press conference, Woodward said: "I have left the door open for a couple of players who were injured, but I have to say Charlie is looking doubtful at this point."

Hodgson was steadily developing as in ideal stand-in for Jonny Wilkinson, and there was even talk of finding a way of playing the two together, with Woodward experimenting with Hodgson at centre.

Ligaments

Sharks team-mates Jason Robinson, Alex Sanderson and Andy Titterell were all named in the initial squad for the games against Wales on August 23, and the home and away clashes against France in the following weeks.

Hodgson ruptured ligaments in his knee and has recently returned from the States where he underwent treatment.

He has been training with the Sharks but has been forced to concentrate on weights and upper body strength.

It is also unlikely that Hodgson will be back in time for the start of the league season, but with points machine Braam van Staaten signing from Leeds at the start of summer, Sharks have possibly the best kicking replacement in the Premiership at their disposal.

Even when Hodgson is fit again, Van Straaten doesn't see a problem.

He said: “I don’t think we will be in competition for the same place, in fact I hope we can play together.”