By Will Kelleher For The Daily Mail
Published: 19:13 BST, 19 June 2019 | Updated: 19:18 BST, 19 June 2019
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Dylan Harley's World Cup prospects look seriously bleak with the former England captain set to be left out of Eddie Jones’ training squads as he continues to struggle with a knee injury.
The 33-year-old hooker, who skippered England to their record equalling run of 18 consecutive Test wins at the start of Jones’ regime, has not played at all since December 21.
His club Northampton Saints have consistently described his knee as ‘grumbly’ and Sportsmail understands the issue has still not been fully resolved.
Dylan Harley set to miss all of England's pre-World Cup training camps due to knee injury
It means Hartley, who has won 97 England caps, will now not be involved in the upcoming pre-World Cup training camps. This news makes is almost certain that Owen Farrell will lead England in Japan, if fit.
England boss Jones is set to name the first of three staggered squads on Thursday, which will include all those not involved in the Premiership playoffs.
Next week he will add players from Gloucester and Northampton, before selecting a 36-man World