England halfback Danny Care has been ruled out of next month's Rugby World Cup after sustaining a toe injury in last weekend's defeat to Wales, it was confirmed on Wednesday.

A statement from the Rugby Football Union said Care would miss the World Cup after undergoing a series of scans and taking advice from specialists.

The 24-year-old Harlequins No.9 will undergo surgery later this week, the statement said.

"We are all hugely disappointed for Danny who has worked extremely hard and has been an important part of the squad throughout our Rugby World Cup preparations," England manager Martin Johnson said.

"He featured in both warm-up fixtures and was on course for selection so this injury is really disappointing for him personally and for us as a squad.

"Nobody wants to see a player ruled out at this stage through injury and we all wish Danny a speedy recovery."

Although Care lost his starting place to Leicester youngster Ben Youngs during last year's autumn internationals and this season's Six Nations, he had been challenging to regain his position in recent months.

Johnson meanwhile insisted England had the playing resources to overcome Care's absence.

"In terms of our selection options we are fortunate to have depth at nine with Ben Youngs, now back into full training, Joe Simpson and Richard Wigglesworth," Johnsons said.

"These guys have all been part of the Rugby World Cup camp and will be considered ahead of the final 30 man squad announced on Monday."

England name their World Cup squad on August 22.

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