Rugby World Cup: England hit by double injury blow with Anthony Watson ruled out, Elliot Daly a major doubt

Steve Borthwick has been hit by a double injury blow as he announced his squad for England’s final World Cup warm-up match against Fiji.

Anthony Watson is now set to miss the World Cup with a calf injury, while Elliot Daly’s appearance at the showpiece tournament in France is also in huge doubt.

Jonny May could now be named in England's World Cup squad after initially being omitted by Borthwick.

Courtney Lawes is set to lead the team out on his 100th cap at Twickenham on Saturday. Lawes will take his place in the back row alongside Jack Willis and Ben Earl.

England will be without the suspended duo of Billy Vunipola and Owen Farrell, with Earl and George Ford their two replacements.

Vunipola was banned for three games after a late tackle on Ireland's Andrew Porter – a ban which begins with Saturday’s match.

Meanwhile, Farrell has been banned for four games in a topsy-turvy saga which resulted in World Rugby successfully appealing the decision to overturn the skipper’s ban after his sending off against Wales on August 12.

Two of those four games will have to be served after the weekend, meaning Farrell is eligible to return for the third pool match against Chile on September 23.

After announcing the squad, Borthwick was full of praise for Lawes and said: "We couldn't be prouder of Courtney on achieving his incredible milestone after 14 years of excellent performances for his country.

"It has been a privilege to watch his journey and witness him develop into a truly outstanding rugby player.

"Not only is Courtney an exceptional talent and an excellent professional, he is also a brilliant role model for young players every time he steps onto the field."

Borthwick’s men have produced a series of unconvincing displays in their warm-up matches to date, but insists he is confident of improvements heading into Saturday’s game.

"Fiji have proven themselves to be a strong opposition and we look forward to what we expect to be an exciting and challenging game.

"Rest assured that we will be looking to convert the opportunities we have recently been creating into points on the scoreboard.”

England team to face Fiji: Steward; Malins, Lawrence, Tuilagi, May; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, Dan, Cole, Itoje, Chessum, Lawes (c), Willis, Earl.

Replacements: Walker, Marler, Stuart, Ribbans, Ludlam, Care, Smith, Marchant.

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