England forwards coach Graham Rowntree has hinted that Dylan Hartley could be part of the team's Rugby World Cup squad.

The Northampton Saints hooker was left out of England's preparations for the tournament after being handed a four-week ban for headbutting an opponent.

Hartley had been expected to miss the upcoming World Cup because of the suspension, but Rowntree has suggested that the 29-year-old could be drafted back into the squad once it has been served.

"Look, the whole Dylan situation - it is what is. He is banned," he told Sky Sports News. "He is unavailable so I have got to put my resources into the guys that are here and that just so happens to be a couple of young hookers in particular at the moment.

"Going forward, we never discount the possibility of Dylan coming in, if required, as long as he has served his ban. I trust Dylan. He played in the last game of the Six Nations for us. He is fit. I have been in touch with him regularly and he would be able to come in and slot in if we need him."

England play their final warm-up match on September 5 when they take on Ireland at Twickenham Stadium.