Burgess made his England debut against France last month

Bradford and England forward Sam Burgess is unlikely to feature in the World Cup due to a shoulder injury.

Bulls coach Steve McNamara confirmed on Sunday that Burgess requires shoulder surgery and is almost certain to miss the autumn tournament.

McNamara said: "He's got an injury that requires an operation and it's unlikely he will feature at the World Cup.

"I would hate for the kid to miss the World Cup but we have to think of his long-term future."

Burgess played in the Bulls' 24-10 victory against Wakefield on Sunday, but McNamara said the player was not in danger of causing further damage to a shoulder in need of reconstructive surgery.

"The second scan (on Friday) proved there was no bone damage in there, which enabled him to play today," McNamara said.

"Even if he reinjured it, it wouldn't have caused any more damage to the injury.

606: DEBATE How will England cope if Burgess is ruled out?

"If the specialist tells us that it's a longer recovery period then we'll get him in earlier."

Burgess, who was named Super League's Young Player of the Season in 2007, signed a new three-year contract at the Odsal Stadium in June.

He made his England debut in the recent 56-8 win over France and looked certain to be a key player in their World Cup campaign if he fit.

Tony Smith's side face Papua New Guinea in the opening game of the tournament in Australia on 25 October, and also face Australia and New Zealand in the toughest group of the 10-team competition.