Owen Farrell's red card is a disaster for England ahead of World Cup

Owen Farrell’s red card is a disaster for England as their World Cup preparations suffer a calamitous blow in victory over Wales

  • Owen Farrell red card is a disastrous blow in England’s World Cup preparations 
  • The skipper was shown a red card in Saturday’s narrow victory over Wales 
  • The fly-half is now likely to miss the crucial curtain raiser against Argentina 

England’s preparations for the World Cup suffered a calamitous blow after skipper Owen Farrell was shown a red card in Saturday’s narrow victory over Wales.

The fly-half is now likely to miss the crucial curtain raiser against Argentina and could face an even longer ban given his track record.

Scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet suffered an ankle injury in the 19-17 win and full-back Freddie Steward could also face a ban after being sin-binned for a reckless challenge on Josh Adams.

After receiving four yellow cards in total — with Farrell’s upgraded to red — vice-captain Courtney Lawes said the team’s discipline was ‘not good enough’.

A late penalty from George Ford salvaged a victory for England but the result has come at a huge cost.

England skipper Owen Farrell was shown a red card in Saturday’s narrow victory over Wales

Jack van Poortvliet also suffered an injury during the game as England’s World Cup preparations took a huge hit 

Commenting on the red card, Wales coach Warren Gatland said: ‘It was the right decision on the day. Hopefully for Owen’s sake, he doesn’t get too long a ban. You need someone like him in the game. 

He’d be a big loss to England if he does have a lengthy ban. Given his previous, I’m not too sure what’s going to happen.’

Ford, who is now in line to take over the No 10 jersey, said: ‘It will all unfold over the next few days. We will get behind him, he’s our captain and our leader and he will be back.’ 

England head coach Steve Borthwick added: ‘I’ll see what comes of the disciplinary process.’

England coach has some selection headaches ahead of the opening game against Argentina

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