England captain Sean O'Loughlin has been ruled out of the second rugby league test against New Zealand at Anfield on Monday (NZ time).
The Wigan loose forward has failed to recover from a calf injury he sustained in the early stages of the first test in Hull on Sunday.
England say they will announce a replacement captain on Friday, likely to be either James Graham or Josh Hodgson.
Graham has led England in the past in the absence of O'Loughlin, most recently against France in Leigh.
Coach Wayne Bennett could give a debut to either Joe Greenwood, O'Loughlin's Wigan teammate, or Castleford loose forward Adam Milner.
England halfback Sam Tomkins insists his side will cope with the absence of their talismanic captain.
"You can replace him," said Tomkins.
"You won't get exactly the same, and whether you get better or worse, I don't know, but Lockers is one of our best players without doubt.
"He's the best player every time he pulls the jersey on for Wigan and when he plays for England, you know you're going to get a minimum of eight out of 10 - he plays well or really well.
England lead the three-match series 1-0, after an 18-16 win at the KCOM Stadium.
PA
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