England centre crisis deepens

 

Burrell left the field shortly after half-time during Northampton's European Champions Cup win over the Ospreys on Saturday clutching his right hand.

 

He is still set to join up with England at their Pennyhill Park training base, in London and is due to see a specialist regarding a scan.

 

However, Lancaster said time was against Burrell if he wanted to be fit enough to face the All Blacks at Twickenham on November 8.

 

"I think it would be tight for New Zealand, if I'm being honest," England boss Lancaster said.

 

"He's not been in camp this week at all. He's seeing the specialist and it will probably unfold over the weekend.

 

"He's still in the equation further down the line. He's definitely not out the series. We'll see how he goes.

 

"If the specialist is positive, then potentially he could come back into camp next week, but he won't have done any of the work.

 

"It would be a big step to put him in [against New Zealand]."

 

However, Burrell could yet feature in England's remaining Tests next month against South Africa (November 15), Samoa (November 22) and Australia (November 29).

 

Lancaster added: "We'll have to wait and see what the specialist says. A little bit more optimistic than originally, certainly no surgery at the moment."

 

Burrell's injury adds to England's difficulties in midfield, long a problem area for the side, with fellow centres Manu Tuilagi and Kyle Eastmond both sidelined with groin trouble.

 

Harlequins wing Marland Yarde (ankle), Saracens No.8 Billy Vunipola (concussion) and Harlequins prop Joe Marler (quad) also missed training on Monday.

 

"It's always a tough start to the season for players, particularly when they go six rounds of the Premiership and then two rounds of Europe," Lancaster added.

 

"Often this camp for us is just about getting everyone together again but also it allows them to have a weekend off this weekend.

 

"The extra weekend will give us the time that we need and I'm sure the players will be ready for next week."

 

Next month's matches will give 2015 World Cup hosts England a good indication of where they stand against several of the world's leading nations less than a year out from the global showpiece tournament.