Thompson, capped 47 times by England, will undergo surgery next week on a neck injury which has already ruled him out of the RBS 6 Nations.

The 28-year-old has a disc problem in his neck which creates a loss of feeling down one arm.

A month ago the Northampton and England medical teams agreed he required an eight-week rest from playing and training.

The plan had been reassess him after that - but the decision has already been taken that Thompson, a World Cup winner in 2003, requires an operation.

Saints head coach Paul Grayson said: We are all so disappointed for Steve and we will be working hard with him to help his recovery. We look forward to his invaluable support behind the scenes while he recuperates.

Thompson has not played for England since the 2006 Six Nations but had been widely expected to regain the hookers jersey for this years competition before injury struck.

The World Cup will take place in September and October this year.

Thompson has been suffering on-going neck trouble but took a heavy blow during his last game for Northampton, the 17-8 Heineken Cup defeat to Biarritz on January 21.

He hoped to be back in action after the RBS 6 Nations to help Northampton in their fight against relegation and push for a place in the World Cup squad.

But Thompson now faces an anxious wait to discover whether the injury will end his career.

Leicesters George Chuter is now in pole position to be Englands World Cup hooker after starting the Six Nations victories over Scotland and Italy.

Baths Lee Mears has been a regular in the national squad for the last year, while Andrew Titterell, James Buckland, Dylan Hartley and David Paice have all started for the England Saxons over the last 12 months.