England’s Andros Townsend ruled out of World Cup

England winger Andros Townsend has been ruled out of the World Cup after Tottenham Hotspur announced he must undergo ankle surgery.

Townsend will be sidelined for 10 weeks and is to undergo the procedure to the joint on his left leg on Thursday.

“Following further examination and consultation, Andros Townsend is to undergo surgery on his left ankle after damaging ligaments during our fixture against Stoke City last Saturday,” a club statement read.

“The injury is likely to sideline the young winger for up to 10 weeks.”

The news came as a setback for the England manager Roy Hodgson after the 22-year-old Townsend's explosive introduction to international football during the World Cup qualifying campaign last year.

The speedy Tottenham player scored on his England debut against Montenegro in October before impressive in the win over Poland as Hodgson's side secured their place in the finals in Brazil.