The illness is a cruel blow for the exciting 20-year-old, who pulled out of the squad for Saturday's Twickenham clash against South Africa on Monday night.

"I've had it since the beginning of the Australia training week," he said.

"I am angry that it is an illness that is now stopping me from playing."

The Gloucester wing has attracted rave reviews after making his England debut in the 31-28 victory over New Zealand just two weeks ago.

England coach Clive Woodward is likely to either put Austin Healey on the wing, or switch Jason Robinson from full-back and hand Tim Stimpson the number 15 jersey.

Woodward has already announced his intention to make further changes to his England team despite their consecutive wins over Australia and New Zealand.

The England coach says no-one is guaranteed their place in the line-up.

"I will change a winning team if we think we can improve," he said.

"I think the changes we made last week were the right ones.

"I'll think about it carefully, and speak to Andy Robinson and Martin Johnson."

Jason Leonard is likely to retain his place after coming in as a replacement for the injured Trevor Woodman.

Woodman faces a fitness test but is expected to again be ruled out.

"I have spoken to the medical team this morning and at this stage I think everyone is okay," said Woodward.

"Obviously we need to look at Trevor Woodman, if he's not 100% fit we won't consider him.

"Jason Leonard was outstanding at the weekend so we are very lucky in terms of the quality of players we've got coming through."

Lawrence Dallaglio was relegated to the bench last week with Neil Back starting, while Ben Kay replaced lock Danny Grewcock.

But Dallaglio could be picked as a replacement for number eight Richard Hill, who took a battering against Australia and left under the blood rule.

Andy Gomarsall, who was on the bench last weekend, could also be given a run at scrum half.

Whoever he chooses, Woodward insists England "won't be complacent", and that he will pick his strongest team to play against the Springboks.