Mitchell Ignores Criticism: England Ready for Rugby World Cup Semi-Final

John Mitchell Defends England’s Playing Style Ahead of World Cup Semi-Final

England coach John Mitchell has expressed his indifference to criticism of his team’s playing style as they prepare for the World Cup semi-final against France on Saturday at Ashton Gate. Mitchell and forward Hannah Botterman insist that the “Red Roses” will not hesitate to take advantage of the strength of their maul and scrum, after crushing Scotland last weekend in torrential rain. Of the 38 tries England has scored in their four World Cup matches to date, 22 have been the product of their unstoppable pack.

I don’t really care what others think.

John Mitchell

Mitchell doesn’t apologize for the direct approach, stating “I don’t really care what others think”, but added that his team possesses a variety of tools to achieve the goal. “We have shown in the last three years that we can play in any way,” Mitchell said.

“If you look at the conditions we were exposed to last weekend, it would be pretty stupid not to use that force and go for route one. Botterman, re-incorporated into the first line after recovering from a back spasm, will be a key piece for England in their attempt to take control against their Six Nations rivals. The 26-year-old forward believes that the scrum doesn’t get the “recognition we should probably have in that area” and answered bluntly “no” when asked if the Red Roses would deviate from their strengths. Botterman is one of four changes to the team that beat Scotland 40-8, with full-back Ellie Kildunne, fly-half Zoe Harrison and second row Abbie Ward also starting.