England have confirmed that fly-half Owen Farrell will play no part in Saturday's third and final Test against New Zealand due to a knee ligament injury.
The Saracens star has been a doubt for the clash in Hamilton following last weekend's narrow 28-17 defeat to the All Blacks.
It has now been confirmed by the team that Farrell has been unable to recover in time to end the series, which New Zealand clinched in Dunedin.
Head coach Stuart Lancaster said: "The knee has been scanned. It's disappointing for Owen as he was desperate to play in the final Test.
"Such is his character that he is already working on his rehab and still contributing to the tour. Fortunately we have three other fly halves and we'll make that selection call over the next few days."
Freddie Burns could replace the fly-half after he took on the role in the first Test, which ended in a 20-15 defeat to England at Eden Park.
Billy Twelvetrees, Luther Burrell and Danny Care all remain injury doubts for England.
Danielle Joynson
