Another blow for England as Watson ruled out of RWC

England's troubled build-up to the World Cup continued with the news that Anthony Watson will miss the entire tournament because of a calf problem.

In the week Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola were issued with bans that rule them out of the critical opener against Argentina, Steve Borthwick has now lost a first choice wing.

Watson sustained the damage in Saturday’s 29-10 defeat to Ireland and has been replaced in the 33-man World Cup squad by Jonny May, who starts Saturday’s clash with Fiji.

It is a savage blow for the 29-year-old who had previously battled back from long-term knee and Achilles injuries and was poised to start the Pumas showdown on 9 September.

"In the game against Ireland, Anthony Watson suffered an injury to his calf which means he can't play for a number of weeks," Borthwick said.

"As such he will not be part of the 33 that travels to France next week. We’re all really disappointed for him."

Watson follows ankle injury-victim Jack van Poortvliet in being forced to withdraw from the original squad named by Borthwick.

Earlier on Thursday, reports emerged that England would also lose versatile back Elliot Daly to a knee injury, although Borthwick does expect him to be available for the start of the World Cup, along with Henry Arundell who is troubled by a back issue.

Courtney Lawes will win his 100th cap when he captains England in Saturday's final warm-up match.

With Farrell serving a four-match ban for a dangerous tackle, Lawes continues as skipper to become the fifth England player to amass a century of Test appearances, having made his debut in 2009.

George Ford continues as chief conductor in a new-look half-back combination that includes Alex Mitchell, while Manu Tuilagi and Ollie Lawrence are paired together