ENGLAND

Awash with star quality, the holders are looking to extend a 20-match winning run

SIX NATIONS HISTORY

England are the most dominant force in championship history, winning the title 15 out of the 23 times, including 13 Grand Slams. They have won the last six editions and extending that to seven would match their longest Six Nations winning streak (2006-2012).

Their consistent success and dominance over the years, winning 89% of their Six Nations games, has established them as the benchmark for women’s rugby globally.

Their biggest Test every Six Nations is against France but in 2024 England beat them twice – 42-21 in the Six Nations and 38-19 in a WXV warm-up. In the 2024 Six Nations, England scored double the tries (44) of runners-up France (22) and they comfortably top the leaderboards in almost all areas of the game.

FORM GUIDE

The Red Roses are on a 20-match winning streak, their last loss coming in the 2022 World Cup final against the Black Ferns. In that time, they’ve won two Grand Slams and two WXV1 titles, beating world champions New Zealand on three occasions and achieving a record points rating of 97.56 in the world rankings.

Under John Mitchell, their playing style has become more expansive – something the coach credits to his players feeling more freedom on the pitch. There is room for improvement, however. England’s goalkicking is inconsistent (a 56.8% rate at the 2024 Six Nations, the second worst of any team) and the team’s set-piece dominance has slipped a little.

England have world-class players in nearly every position and the depth and strength to stress and stretch teams for the full 80 minutes. They’re using this Six Nations as a chance to build towards their home World Cup, which they are heavy favourites to win.

KEY PLAYERS