Owen Farrell’s red card is disaster for England as talisman likely to miss World Cup curtain-raiser against Argentina

England’s World Cup preparations suffered a disastrous blow after skipper Owen Farrell was shown a red card in Saturday’s narrow victory over Wales.

The fly-half is now likely to miss the crucial curtain raiser against Argentina and could face an even longer suspension given his record.

Scrum half Jack van Poortvliet suffered an ankle injury in the 19-17 victory and full-back Freddie Steward also faces a suspension after being convicted of a reckless challenge on Josh Adams.

After receiving a total of four yellow cards – with Farrell’s upgrade to red – vice-captain Courtney Lawes said the team’s discipline was ‘not good enough’.

A late George Ford penalty saved an England victory, but the result has come at a heavy cost.

Commenting on the red card, Wales coach Warren Gatland said: ‘It was the right call on the day. Hopefully, for Owen’s sake, he doesn’t get too long a ban. You need someone like him in the game.

He would be a great loss to England if he gets a long-term suspension. Given his past, I’m not sure what’s going to happen.’

Ford, who is now lining up to take over the number 10 jersey, said: “It will all unfold over the next few days. We’ll get behind him, he’s our captain and our leader and he’s coming back.’

England head coach Steve Borthwick added: “I’ll see what comes out of the disciplinary process.”