England Sets Lineup for Rugby World Cup Debut
England has confirmed its initial lineup for the anticipated Rugby World Cup opening match against the United States, which will take place in Sunderland on Friday. The only modification to the team is the inclusion of Emily Scarratt on the bench. If Scarratt comes into play from the bench on Friday, this will be her fifth appearance in a Rugby World Cup. The rest of the team remains unchanged from the one that beat France 40-6 on August 9, in the Red Roses’ last match before the World Cup, with Helena Rowland out of the squad. England enters the 2025 competition as the clear favorite, having lost only one match in their last 60 encounters. That defeat came in the final of the last Rugby World Cup, but Friday’s match marks the start of their journey in the tournament, where they will seek to take the most important trophy in the sport home. Coach John Mitchell has appointed Zoe Aldcroft as captain, with Alex Matthews and Sadia Kabeya joining her in the back row. Abbie Row and Morwenna Talling will form the second row, while Hannah Botterman, Amy Cokayne, and Maud Muir will be in the front row.
The United States has also announced its team for the match, with 11 players who will make their World Cup debut. Ilona Maher, Keia Mae Sagapolu, Tahlia Brody, and Emily Henrich are the four debutantes in the starting lineup, with seven others looking to make an impact from the bench.England Lineup:Ellie Kildunne, Abby Dow, Megan Jones, Tatyana Heard, Jess Breach, Zoe Harrison, Natasha Hunt; Hannah Botterman, Amy Cokayne, Maud Muir, Morwenna Talling, Abbie Ward, Zoe Aldcroft (captain), Sadia Kabeya, Alex MatthewsSubstitutes: Lark Atkin-Davies, Kelsey Clifford, Sarah Bern, Rosie Galligan, Maddie Feaunati, Lucy Packer, Emily Scarratt, Emma SingWe have been building well for the tournament and now we are excited to start our campaign.
John Mitchell
