Why is Owen Farrell not playing in the Rugby World Cup? England captain watching crucial Japan game from sidelines

England will be missing their captain Owen Farrell for their crucial Rugby World Cup match against Japan.

The Saracens fly-half has been included in Steve Borthwick’s side for the tournament in France but is still missing after sitting out the win over Argentina.

England headed into the World Cup in poor form, having lost three of their four warm-up games but turned in a mighty display to beat their main competitors in the group by 27 points to ten.

But things don’t get any easier for England as they will be without their captain, Farrell, for a big Pool D match against Japan.

Why is Owen Farrell not playing in the Rugby World Cup?

The 31-year-old is currently serving a four-game ban by World Rugby for a dangerous hit on Wales’ Taine Basham last month.

Farrell is serving his fourth suspension for high tackles.

He initially had his red card downgraded to a yellow before World Rugby had it reinstated upon appeal.

Farrell has already missed warm-ups against Ireland and Fiji while he played no part against Argentina and will serve the final game of his suspension against Japan.

“You don’t want to go back too far, and I don’t want to be sat here talking about this now. I want to be talking about the weekend,” said Farrell about the incident.

“I made a mistake and got banned for it in the end. I’m not going to sit here and moan about it now.”

Farrell will return on Saturday, September 23 against Chile.

England vs Japan: Date and how to follow

This Pool D Rugby World Cup clash will take place on Sunday, September 17.

It’s due to get underway at 8pm UK time at the Stade de Nice, in Nice.

The match will be broadcast free-to-air on ITV1 or ITVX.

Their coverage will start at 7:15pm.

England World Cup squad

Forwards: Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Theo Dan (Saracens), Ben Earl (Saracens), Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears), Jamie George (Saracens), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Lewis Ludlam (Northampton Saints), Joe Marler (Harlequins), George Martin (Leicester Tigers), David Ribbans (Toulon), Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks) Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears), Will Stuart (Bath Rugby), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Jack Walker (Harlequins), Jack Willis (Toulouse).

Backs: Henry Arundell (Racing 92), Danny Care (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Saracens), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Sale Sharks), Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby), Max Malins (Bristol Bears), Joe Marchant (Stade Francais), Jonny May (Gl