England suffer injury setback ahead of Six Nations opener against France

Haskell was unable to join with the squad here in Portugal yesterday leaving him almost certainly out of contention for Twickenham in 11 days’ time.

The 31-year-old, whose abortive Wasps comeback lasted only 35 seconds when he was knocked out against Leicester earlier this month, played 57 minutes against Zebre on Sunday in an attempt to prove his fitness only for the injury to flare up. Haskell confirmed “a bit of discomfort in the foot” yesterday.

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James Haskell's hopes of an England comeback have been dashed

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England will also be without Jack Clifford

It means England are set to launch the defence of their title without any of their entire back row from last season’s grand slam with Billy Vunipola and Chris Robshaw sidelined.

Harlequins flanker Jack Clifford was also unable to join the squad because of a chest injury sustained against Stade Francais on Sunday.

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“Both players sustained injuries in their club games on Sunday and were due to arrive in Vilamoura today but will instead stay in the UK to undergo further medical assessments after which a decision will be made on when they join up with England,” said an RFU spokesman last night.

England look set to go into the France game with two players who have yet to start a Six Nations game in the back row – Nathan Hughes and Maro Itoje – as well as the experienced Tom Wood.

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