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England will not rush into any hasty decisions over the future of head coach Stuart Lancaster after making their Rugby World Cup exit at the pool stage, Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Ian Ritchie said on Sunday.

With half an hour remaining England looked on course to put themselves on the cusp of escaping the “pool of death” as they led Wales 22-12 thanks to a try from Gloucester Rugby’s Jonny May with Saracen Owen Farrell kicking the rest of the points.

I’m proud of my country but it was deserved.

With defensive captain Brad Barritt also failing to impress in only his second appearance back from a long-term injury, Joseph’s potential absence could leave the door open for the likes of Sam Burgess, Owen Farrell or even Henry Slade to stake a claim for a starting berth.

No fewer than six TMO referrals lasting a total of 10 minutes occurred during England’s 35-11 tournament-opening win over Fiji last Friday.

Lancaster had to cut eight players from England’s training group, including two he has known since their childhood in Leeds, centre Luther Burrell and back-row Calum Clark.