England set to call-up replacement for Charlie Ewels in New Zealand after Bath lock's second red card in as many Tests blighted win over Japan

England are set to fly a reinforcement to New Zealand after lock Charlie Ewels was shown his second red card in as many Tests.

Ewels last played for England in 2022, when he was sent off for an upright tackle on James Ryan only two minutes into the Six Nations defeat by Ireland.

On Saturday, the forward was shown red for a dangerous clear-out on Japan skipper Michael Leitch, just four minutes after coming on as a replacement. He is now likely to be banned for the two Tests against the All Blacks, meaning the likes of Nick Isiekwe or Rusi Tuima could receive an immediate call-up.

England fly to Auckland on Monday night and head coach Steve Borthwick would not comment on the imminent disciplinary process, but he revealed that team manager Richard Hill began contingency planning the moment the game ended. 

Skipper Jamie George said: 'It is challenging. The Test was played at 100mph as you know and there is a constantly changing picture in front of you and I have got nothing but sympathy for Charlie.'

Leitch returned to action after brief medical treatment and insisted there are no hard feelings. 'He had no intent to injure me,' said the flanker. 'He came in with intent to clean out and luckily I got my knee out of the way.'

Marcus Smith delivered an accomplished performance at fly-half but Borthwick insisted the collective levels must improve. 'You can't give that number of penalties away,' he said. 'You can't give New Zealand the space we gave Japan but I expect our performance to go up several levels.'

Meanwhile, Dan McKellar has left his job as Leicester head coach after only one season in charge.

The 47-year-old, who replaced Borthwick, guided the Tigers to a disappointing eighth in the Premiership, 11 points off a play-off spot.