Flanker Tom Curry is poised to start for England in their World Cup opener against Argentina on Saturday after returning from an ankle injury.

Curry, 25, has not played since Sale's Premiership final defeat in May and missed all four of England's pre-World Cup warm-up matches last month.

England defence coach Kevin Sinfield said he was "delighted" Curry would be available to play in Marseille.

"It's great to see Tom out there training," Sinfield said on Tuesday.

"He's been excellent."

Asked if Curry could be recalled immediately, Sinfield said: "We've got no doubt about that.

"He's got a number of caps under his belt now and he's been doing it for years. He can play a number of positions across the back row for us too. We're delighted he's available."

England will be hoping Curry's return can shore up a defence which conceded 11 tries in four warm-up matches.

Suspensions to key players Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola have not helped with consistency, and both men will miss the opener with the Pumas.

Sinfield added: "It really helps having Tom Curry back available. Some of the suspensions that we've had over the last couple of weeks haven't helped. The back row changes we've had to make probably haven't helped too."

More to follow.