Wilkinson escapes citing over Thomas tackle

England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson will not be cited for a tackle that floored Jonathan Thomas and led to the flanker leaving the pitch in Saturday's Six Nations 26-19 defeat by Wales.

Wilkinson appeared to catch the flanker's head in the 13th minute of the match but Wales made no protest and the BBC reported that he would face no action.

"There has been speculation that it was my tackle that led to it. I feel that it was not my tackle and I would add that it is always very sad to see a player going off injured," Wilkinson said.

"I stand firmly against foul play in the game. It has never been my desire or intention to be involved in anything like that and neither will it ever be."

England face Italy on Sunday but will be without centre Mike Tindall, who is out for the whole tournament, winger David Strettle and flankers Tom Rees and Lewis Moody, all of whom suffered injuries on Saturday.