England are braced for yet another injury blow with World Cup-winning centre Mike Tindall set to miss the entire RBS Six Nations Championship.

The Bath star has been told he needs surgery on his right foot, and he is unlikely to play again until April.

Tindall's latest medical bulletin could also threaten his Lions tour prospects in New Zealand this summer.

A stress fracture had already ruled 26-year-old Tindall out of England's opening Six Nations games against Wales and France, but head coach Andy Robinson hoped he might be fit for later matches in the tournament.

However, Tindall, England's vice-captain during their autumn Tests this season, is now poised to follow Will Greenwood and Richard Hill in sitting out the whole competition, while question marks remain about injured fly-half Jonny Wilkinson's Six Nations prospects.

"Tindall is having his foot operated on, and he will probably miss all of the Six Nations," said Bath coach John Connolly.

"He will be out until early April at the earliest.

"Mike could try to play, but the foot has separated, and it is important to get it 100%. There is nothing worse than trying to play at 85 or 90%."

Bath hope Tindall will have an operation as soon as possible, thereby increasing his chances of returning before the regular Zurich Premiership season ends on April 30.

Robinson, meanwhile, is due to announce his England starting line-up on Monday for next week's Millennium Stadium appointment with Wales.

Newcastle's 18-year-old centre Mathew Tait is expected to form an all-Falcons midfield combination alongside Jamie Noon, with Henry Paul or Olly Barkley providing centre cover on the bench.