King was bidding to be Wilkinson's deputy

The Wasps player, who scored 16 points against Wales in August, had hoped to go to Australia as deputy to Jonny Wilkinson.

But he will now play no part in England's campaign, leaving the way open for Paul Grayson and possibly Mike Catt to provide cover in Clive Woodward's squad.

England name strong side

Woodward was hit by another injury blow on Thursday, as wing Dan Luger pulled out of Saturday's final warm-up against France with a minor back injury.

While the England coach is expecting Luger to make a rapid recovery, Woodward confirmed King would miss out.

"It is certain that the knee injury precludes him from our thoughts for the World Cup but he has made a huge contribution to our preparations for it and if his recovery goes well he may be in a position to be on stand by during the tournament," Woodward said.

King, who has won five caps since 1997, had set his sights on making England's 30-man squad.

"Making the World Cup would be the absolute pinnacle - it would mean everything to me."

He was the leading points scorer in last season's Premiership campaign.