England captain Phil Vickery faces potentially the defining moment of his World Cup campaign today - in a central Paris solicitor's office.

A week after England saw fly-half Jonny Wilkinson suffer an ankle ligament injury during training, Vickery is preparing to attend a disciplinary hearing.

The Wasps prop must answer a charge - lodged by match citing commissioner Steven Hines - that he kicked USA centre Paul Emerick during Saturday's Pool A clash in Lens.

If found guilty, Vickery, who would have 48 hours in which to make an appeal and has said there was no malice intended in the challenge, could find himself sitting out Friday's critical game with South Africa at the Stade de France.

His availability for further pool games against Samoa and Tonga later this month would also be in doubt.

A four-week ban at the lower end of the scale is recommended under International Rugby Board regulations for kicking.

Vickery is set to appear before World Cup-appointed judicial officer Professor Lorne Crerar, with the England squad's legal representative Richard Smith QC accompanying him.

World Cup organisers have yet to confirm a date for the hearing, but it is likely to be today - on the same day as England head coach Brian Ashton announces his team to face South Africa.

And while Vickery prepares to enter the dock - Emerick, meanwhile, has also been cited for a dangerous tackle on England fly-half Olly Barkley - further news is expected on Wilkinson.

He has undergone intensive treatment during the past week, although it would be a surprise if he regains full fitness in time for the Springboks.

Barkley, comfortably England's best player against America, can expect to continue in the number 10 shirt, with Matt Stevens replacing Vickery.

Against such an uncertain backdrop, England must prepare for their biggest Test match since Martin Johnson held aloft the Webb Ellis Trophy four years ago.

They are also desperate to show the dismal 28-10 victory over America can be drastically improved upon.

England defence coach Mike Ford said: ''We were disappointed, for sure. It wasn't the performance we wanted, but Friday night is a new game.

''We know we are playing one of the best teams in the world, we know we can beat them, and there is no point in being negative. The players are experienced enough to know that as well.

''I know we know how to beat them - it's just getting the players right mentally and physically for the game.''

Wing Jason Robinson claimed Vickery's situation would not prove unsettling on the squad, who were back training following Sunday's recovery day.

Robinson added: ''There is no disruption whatsoever. Everyone has just got to focus on the job in hand. It is a massive game.

''This is about the individual, and the individual doing whatever they need to do to get where they need to get. We knew the challenge we faced before we came here, and nothing has changed.''