George Kruis has been ruled out of England’s last two autumn matches because of a calf injury sustained against New Zealand on Saturday.

Kruis was replaced by Charlie Ewels in the 66th minute of the 16-15 defeat at Twickenham and will not play any part in the remaining Quilter Internationals against Japan and Australia.

It is a bitter blow to the Saracens second row who has impressed so far this autumn, not least for his expertise as line-out caller.

Maro Itoje, Ewels, Elliott Stooke and Courtney Lawes are the locks included in the 30-man squad that is to assemble at England’s Surrey training base on Tuesday afternoon to begin preparations for the visit of Japan.