England captain Sean O’Loughlin ruled out of World Cup final clash with Australia

ENGLAND have suffered a serious blow with captain Sean O’Loughlin ruled out of tomorrow night’s World Cup final against Australia.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND — NOVEMBER 24: Sean O'Loughlin arrives for the England Rugby League World Cup Semi Final Captain's Run at Mt Smart Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

ENGLAND have suffered a serious blow on the eve of the World Cup final with skipper Sean O’Loughlin ruled out after failing to overcome a shoulder injury.

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The Wigan legend has been racing to prove his fitness all week but England assistant coach Dennis Betts confirmed O’Loughlin had been ruled out following the captain’s run on Friday.

Sam Burgess will shift from second row to lock with Ben Currie to slot in at second row and Johny Lomax coming in on the bench.

England captain Sean O’Loughlin OUT of #RLWC2017 final Denis Betts has just confirmed. Ben Currie starts at second row with Sam Burgess at loose forward and Jonny Lomax onto the bench

— Gareth Walker (@garethwalker) December 1, 2017

It’s a cruel blow for O’Loughlin, who has been one of England’s best all tournament and was poised to lead the Poms in their first World Cup final since 1995.

At 35, O’Loughlin’s World Cup career seems certain to be over.

The veteran of over 400 matches for Wigan has been a fixture in the Test side when fit for many years.

Burgess will also assume the captaincy.

England were already heavy underdogs heading into Saturday’s match and had lost Josh Hodgson to injury earlier this week.

Originally published as England captain Sean O’Loughlin ruled out of World Cup final clash with Australia