The Samoa-born forward broke a finger in his right hand during the 52-4 loss in Melbourne and had already been ruled out of Saturday's final pool game against New Zealand.

Fa'asavalu has undergone further tests with a specialist hand surgeon and is believed to have undergone surgery but will remain with the squad, who are in Newcastle preparing for the match against the Kiwis at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

England team doctor professor Chris Brookes said: ''The England medical staff have been in close dialogue with the appropriate members of the St Helens club medical staff to keep them fully informed of Maurie's situation at all times.''

According to tournament regulations, England cannot call up a replacement at this stage and coach Tony Smith is ready to gamble on playing just two specialist props against New Zealand, with
Fa'asavalu's club-mate James Graham, the Super League Man of Steel, due to be rested.

Meanwhile, stand-off Leon Pryce and prop Adrian Morley have admitted the England players let down the fans who have made the long trip to Australia with their abject display against the Kangaroos in Melbourne.

''To be honest we owe the fans one,'' said Pryce. ''We didn't really do them proud last week and obviously we want to put in a good performance this week for ourselves and the fans. We want to do a lot better.

''I'm so appreciative of the support that the fans have given us and the effort that they have put in to come to the other side of the world to support us - hopefully we can repay them.

''One of the good things about rugby league is that we've always got good relationships with fans and everyone is quite approachable.''

Morley said: ''We were obviously devastated not just at the loss but the amount of points they racked up. We were all hurting and we're all practising hard and I'm sure you'll see a different performance.

''It's great to see so many people here from so many different clubs and they just want to come out and see England do their best and that's what we're going to give them.''