"I was doing some open running with the ball in hand and I took a side step. I just heard a crunch," said Strettle. "I suspected something was broken but it wasn't confirmed until I had it x-rayed. The specialist I saw last night has told me that I won't be playing again for 12 weeks, which is obviously a massive disappointment."

"I felt that, subject to selection, I was getting closer to something that everyone dreams of doing and that is playing in a Rugby World Cup."

"I will have the screw inserted in my foot tonight and I'll then be in a cast for four to five weeks before the rehab starts."

"I'll be working closely with the Harlequins medical team and I know that the England medics will be staying in close touch. All I want to do now is hope that the operation goes well and then start to get myself fit to play for Harlequins again as soon as I can."

England Head Coach Brian Ashton said: "On behalf of the squad I feel desperately sorry for David as, like many others, I am sure he would have made a huge contribution to our 2007 Rugby World Cup campaign."

"The England medical team will be in regular contact with their counterparts at Harlequins and I look forward to seeing David playing again in the not too distant future."