England's preparations for Saturday's Investec Challenge against Australia have been disrupted further after Martin Johnson was forced to delay his team announcement by 24 hours.

Johnson admitted the England management needed more time to finalise their 22-man squad to face the Wallabies after an injury crisis robbed him of seven guaranteed starters and prompted a major squad reshuffle.

"Due to a number of players joining and leaving the squad over the last few days we have not reached a final decision on our 22 and therefore we have decided to delay naming the Test side until Wednesday," said the England manager.

England are without a full Lions front row in Lee Mears, Andrew Sheridan and Phil Vickery plus Simon Shaw, Nick Easter, Riki Flutey and Delon Armitage.

England do have Jonny Wilkinson back in the chariot's saddle at fly-half and Johnson attempted to put a brave face on things last night as he collected the O2 Player of the Century award.

"If we perform how we can we will give ourselves a chance of winning," said Johnson.

"Some young players now have a chance and we have brought back some older players. There is a good blend in the squad."

After six years plagued by injury, Wilkinson has been revitalised by his summer move to Toulon and he is one of few guaranteed starters against the Wallabies.

Reports today state that Wilkinson could be joined on his England return by Brive hooker Steve Thompson, but that is likely to be the only change to the tight five that faced Argentina in the summer.

Tim Payne and David Wilson appear the likely starters at prop while Johnson is expected to stick with Louis Deacon alongside captain Steve Borthwick.

England's back row has been weakened by Nick Easter's torn calf muscle, leaving James Haskell to compete with Jordan Crane for the number eight position.

Johnson's easiest selection decision will be replacing Riki Flutey at inside centre with Northampton's Shane Geraghty, who has been one of the stars of the Guinness Premiership season to date.

Geraghty is likely to partner Dan Hipkiss in midfield while England will also have to field a new-look back three with the key decision over whether to start with Ugo Monye or Ben Foden at full-back.

Starting with Monye would allow Johnson to retain Matt Banahan and Mark Cueto on the wings and potentially utilise the versatile Foden off the bench.