BREAKING: England star Anthony Watson ruled out of Rugby World Cup

In a week that already saw Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola suspended, England's head honcho Steve Borthwick now faces the loss of another key player.

The RFU, confirming Watson will miss the tournament, said in a statement: "Everybody at England Rugby extends their best wishes to Anthony, and looks forward to seeing him back in action soon."

Interestingly, Jonny May is stepping up for the final warm-up clash against Fiji this Saturday, even though he wasn't initially part of the official 33-player World Cup squad.

Adding to the mix, there's concern about utility back Elliot Daly's fitness. The good news is that Joe Cokanasiga is on standby, ready to step in if needed.

Fingers are crossed in England's camp that Daly might recover in time, with a solid two weeks to go before their opening match.

Writing in his column for the Mail Online, Woodward stated: "It's time for Steve Borthwick to bite the bullet and tear apart England's World Cup squad after poor warm-up displays and bans."

Check out his full selection below.

Woodward wrote: "I’d have Henry Arundell and possibly Max Malins on the wings but I’d seriously consider either Adam Radwan or Cadan Murley instead of Malins from outside the current squad."

Woodward wrote: "To get the most out of Smith, he needs a back line equal to his attacking talents and a licence to play. With this in mind, I would consider playing Freddie Steward at inside centre.

"Steward is a great defensive full back but England need a running threat there which is why I would play Anthony Watson. For too long England’s midfield thinking has been dominated by Manu Tuilagi.

"We need to get creative. Steward is strong defensively and he would do well in midfield."

He added: "It was a big call to leave out Slade in the first place but the paucity of the side’s back line displays in the last three weeks has shown England badly miss his footballing ability."

Woodward wrote: 'I like the look of Theo Dan at hooker with Ellis Genge, Kyle Sinckler"

Woodward wrote: "This will be the last World Cup for Lawes and possibly Itoje too. I want to see some real fireworks from our best two locks."

6. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)

Woodward wrote: "Given his ban, Vunipola should not go to the World Cup. He is the only out-and-out No 8 in the squad and England can’t face Argentina with a non-specialist there. Ben Earl and Lewis Ludlam could do a job, but when a better No 8 is available you have to play him. I’d take out Vunipola and bring in Zach Mercer.

"Vunipola is not the player of four years ago. Mercer would bring some much-needed pace to the team. Vunipola can rejoin the squad if there are injuries in France, which is almost a given."