Both players were carried off during Englands 23-21 victory over South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday.

But further specialist medical analysis has revealed fly-half Hodgson has ruptured his cruciate knee ligament, while prop Sheridan suffered a broken left ankle and ligament damage.

Hodgson and Sheridan will undergo operations during the next week but they are certain to miss Englands entire RBS 6 Nations campaign.

The news, which was released by Sale, is a huge setback for England head coach Andy Robinson, who is already under huge pressure with his side winning just one of their last eight Tests under his direction.

Hodgsons injury ends a miserable autumn series for the Sale fly-half after he struggled to reproduce his outstanding Guinness Premiership form on the international stage.

And with World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson sidelined until the new year while he recovers from kidney damage, Englands number 10 shirt is now likely to be contested by Andy Goode - Hodgsons probable replacement against South Africa next Saturday - Toby Flood and Olly Barkley.

Hodgsons injury is a repeat of the problem he suffered, albeit in his other knee, in 2003, which ruled him out of Englands World Cup campaign.

Sheridan missed a large chunk of last season due to injury and, like Hodgson, now faces a long rehabilitation period after undergoing surgery.

Robinson said: Everyone feels for Charlie and Andrew, and we wish them all the best for their recovery.

They are key members of the squad and they have contributed massively this autumn. Their absence will be a real blow to England and Sale Sharks.

While England contemplate a Six Nations season without Hodgson and Sheridan, Sales hopes of defending their Premiership title has taken another major hit barely a week after their Scottish international flanker Jason White was laid low by a season-ending injury.

This is a terrible blow for the players, for England and for Sale Sharks, said Sharks rugby director Philippe Saint-Andre.

Our thoughts are with the players at this moment but we know that they will receive the very best treatment available to ensure that they return, for club and country, as soon as is possible.

Of course, their loss is a blow to our aspirations to retain our title, and also to our chances in the EDF Energy and Heineken Cup competitions.

However, I have a strong squad here at Sale and opportunities will now open up for some of our younger players to make a name for themselves. We will not be making excuses, we must instead be inspired by adversity.