Rugby World Cup: Wales expect Liam Williams to face England

Liam Williams

Liam Williams should be fit for Wales' World Cup game against England at Twickenham on Saturday, says defence coach Shaun Edwards.

Full-back Williams, 24, injured his thigh in the opening 54-9 win over Uruguay in Cardiff.

"He's a tough kid is Liam and I expect him to be fit," Edwards said.

Prop Paul James wore a protective boot for Wales' welcome ceremony in London after suffering a calf injury and is a doubt for Saturday's game.

Edwards said Wales would "leave it as long as possible" before deciding to call up a replacement for Ospreys' James.

'Wales are resilient'

Centre Cory Allen, who scored a hat-trick in the win over Uruguay, is out of the tournament with a hamstring injury and has been replaced by Tyler Morgan.

Props Samson Lee and Aaron Jarvis also suffered injuries in the bonus-point win at the Millennium Stadium, but Edwards said Wales would not dwell on their misfortune.

"One of the most important things about being a sportsman, particularly at elite level, is to be resilient," Edwards said.

"We're going to have setbacks at times and we've obviously had a few setbacks but we have to be very resilient.

"We have a competitive edge which we aim to bring out on Saturday night at Twickenham."

'Bring it on'

Hosts England beat Fiji 35-11 at Twickenham in the opening game of the World Cup.

Edwards said Wales would be underdogs but did not see the game as win or bust.

"You can't say that because of the points difference, but it's a game everybody has been looking forward to for two years so bring it on," the former Great Britain rugby league captain said.

"England have been very formidable on their own ground over the last few years.

"I think we are the only northern hemisphere team that have beaten them and that was back in 2012."