Farrell faces suspension prior to world cup

If there were ever doubts about Englands number ten jersey, they were all answered by Owen Farrell tonight at Twickenham. However, in shocking twist of events, England run the risk of possibly travelling to France for the world cup without the Saracens player. 

Farrell was sent off after a reckless tackle on Taine Basham in the 63rd minute. Although the on-field decision was yellow card, it was swiftly overturned to a red card after being sent to the bunker. 

This means that Farrell is likely to miss all of Englands pool games at the world cup. Without a doubt, this will be a massive blow for England coach Ian Borthwhick, who named his sqaud earlier this week, which inlcuded Farrell as the teams captain.

A citing will take place during the week. However it is believed he is looking at a possible six week ban, with the World Cup less than a month away the first match will kickoff on 8 September. 

England are set for a tough opening encounter against Argentina in their first fixture, a fixture in which Farrell will now be sorely missed. Round two will see them clash with Japan, followed by a fixture against Chile before wrapping up against Samoa.

England will have it all to do, having finished second from the bottom in the six nations earlier this year, and have currently won one and lost one against Wales in the warm-up fixtures.