Fresh blow for Simpson-Daniel

(GETTY IMAGES)

James Simpson-Daniel has been ruled out of England's autumn internationals after suffering yet another cruel injury setback.

The electric Gloucester winger requires surgery on damaged ankle ligaments and will be sidelined for three months.

Simpson-Daniel, 26, was the Guinness Premiership player of the season last year but he has been restricted to winning just 10 England caps in six years by a catalogue of injuries and illness.

England open their autumn schedule against the Pacific Islands at Twickenham on November 8 before tackling Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

Team manager Martin Johnson will delay any decision on Simpson-Daniel's replacement in the senior squad until at least tomorrow.