England captain Sean O’Loughlin has been ruled out of the second rugby league Test against New Zealand at Anfield on Sunday.

The Wigan loose forward has failed to recover from the recurrence of his old calf injury he sustained in the early stages of the first Test in Hull on November 21.

England say they will announce a replacement captain on Thursday, which is likely to be either James Graham or Josh Hodgson.

Graham has led England in the past in the absence of O’Loughlin, most recently against France in Leigh.

Coach Wayne Bennett could give a debut to either Joe Greenwood, O’Loughlin’s Wigan team-mate, or Castleford loose forward Adam Milner.

England lead the three match series 1-0 following an 18-16 win at the KCOM Stadium.