England have confirmed their starting lineup for the opening Rugby World Cup match against the United States, to be held in Sunderland on Friday. The only change in the team is on the bench, with the inclusion of Emily Scarratt.
If Scarratt participates in the match from the bench, it will be her fifth Rugby World Cup. Apart from this incorporation, there are no further modifications to the team that defeated France 40-6 on August 9, in the last match of the Red Roses before the World Cup, with Helena Rowland absent.
England is the clear favorite for the 2025 competition, having suffered only one defeat in their last 60 matches. This defeat occurred in the final of the last Rugby World Cup. Friday’s match marks the start of their participation in the home tournament, where they will seek to bring the most prestigious trophy in the sport back to England.
Coach John Mitchell has named Zoe Aldcroft as captain, accompanied by Alex Matthews and Sadia Kabeya in the back row. Abbie Row and Morwenna Talling form the second row, while Hannah Botterman, Amy Cokayne, and Maud Muir make up the front row.
Sunderland has been a great host city so far and we know there will be a record crowd for an opening Women’s Rugby World Cup match, which demonstrates the interest in rugby in this region and for the upcoming competition. The United States has also announced its team for the match, with 11 players who will debut in the World Cup. Ilona Maher, Keia Mae Sagapolu, Tahlia Brody, and Emily Henrich are the four debutantes in the starting eleven, with seven others looking to make an impact from the bench.England Team:We have been building up well for the tournament and now we are excited to begin our campaign.
John Mitchell, Coach
- 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 Matthews
