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Wilkinson in England's elite squad
 Wilkinson has sat out 26 consecutive tests through a succession of injuries. LONDON, England -- Flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson, who has not played for England since kicking the winning drop goal in the 2003 World Cup final, was named on Tuesday in an elite player squad for the 2006-7 season In a statement on the Rugby Football Union official Web site, coach Andy Robinson welcomed back the 27-year-old for a 55-player squad he said would form the basis of England's World Cup defense in France next year. "Everybody hopes that he has put his injuries behind him and is able to play regularly for Newcastle Falcons," Robinson said. Wilkinson has missed 26 consecutive tests through shoulder, neck, knee and groin injuries, although he did represent the British Lions on their unsuccessful tour of New Zealand last year. Stevens blowBath's South African-born prop Matt Stevens is expected to miss England's Test matches in November after undergoing further shoulder surgery. The 23-year-old, who had an initial shoulder operation in April, has undergone surgery in London on Monday to repair his rotator cuff tendon after a slow recovery from the earlier procedure. He has not played for England since their crushing 31-6 Six Nations defeat to France in March. Stevens, capped 10 times, faces a six-week recuperation period before beginning his rehabilitation programme. He is unlikely to line up for England when they take on New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa (twice) at Twickenham in November. The injury setback is a fresh blow to England head coach Andy Robinson, under pressure following a dismal run of results in 2006. 
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