Dan Cole
Cole is out for the foreseeable future with a neck problem.

England have suffered another major injury blow with the news that tight-head prop Dan Cole will miss the remainder of the Six Nations championship and beyond after suffering a neck injury.

Cole, 26, had started both of the matches against France and Scotland but is out for the foreseeable future after aggravating the problem during a gym session last week.

David Wilson replaces the Leicester Tigers forward in England's 33-man squad ahead of the third match of the championship against Ireland at Twickenham but coach Stuart Lancaster is left to reflect on another injury absentee.

"It's massively disappointing for Dan, Leicester and England but the important thing is that this has been diagnosed and that Dan gets the appropriate rest and treatment, " Lancaster said.

"Our medics are working closely with Leicester's to come up with a programme that will ensure Dan returns in the best possible shape.

"In the meantime, it's great to have David Wilson back, as well as Henry Thomas who has trained well and came off the bench against Scotland and this will be an opportunity to develop experience in this area."

Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill added: "It's very disappointing news for us and for England, and obviously for Dan, but his long-term fitness is more important. He'll have time to get over this issue and come back when the medical teams are satisfied with his progress."

Wilson coming in for Cole is the only change to the England squad ahead of the meeting with Ireland, with Lancaster set to announce his match-day squad later in the week.

With the likes of Marland Yarde, Manu Tuilagi and Geoff Parling among a host of players still to return for England, the loss of Cole further swells the team's injury plight ahead of the final three games of the championship.

After the opening weekend defeat to France, England reignited their challenge for the Six Nations with a thumping win over Scotland and face unbeaten Ireland this Saturday in a true test of both sides' title hopes.

England