‘Trust What We’ve Built’ – England Unchanged for World Cup Final
England’s head coach John Mitchell has made a bold statement of confidence ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup final: the team remains unchanged. With the Red Roses set to face a formidable Canada side at Twickenham on Saturday, Mitchell is banking on the cohesion and proven track record of his starting XV and bench to secure a long-awaited title. This decision underscores a philosophy of stability in the high-stakes clash, as England aims to end a decade-long drought since their 2014 triumph.
The semi-final victory over France, a gritty 35-17 win after a sluggish start, showcased the resilience of this lineup. Zoe Aldcroft leads the team as captain in what will be England’s seventh consecutive World Cup final appearance. Despite heartbreak in the last two finals against New Zealand, there’s a core of battle-hardened players ready to rewrite history. Stars like full-back Ellie Kildunne, winger Abby Dow, fly-half Zoe Harrison, hooker Amy Cokayne, and forwards Aldcroft, Abbie Ward, and Alex Matthews all started in that 2022 defeat to the Black Ferns. Adding to the experience, scrum-half Natasha Hunt and Matthews also featured in the 2014 final victory.
This England unchanged approach highlights the depth of continuity within the squad. Centre Meg Jones and wing Jess Breach, the tournament’s top try-scorer with six to her name, are the only players to have started all six games in this 2025 edition. Breach’s explosive pace and finishing have been pivotal, while Jones has brought flair to the midfield. The Red Roses enter the final on an astonishing 32-Test winning streak, unbroken since their Eden Park loss in 2022. That defeat came after 30 straight victories, proving their dominance even in adversity.
Why England Unchanged? Building on Proven Foundations
Mitchell’s choice to keep England unchanged isn’t just about familiarity—it’s a deliberate strategy rooted in trust. We are never going to be perfect, but to win this tournament you don’t have to be perfect, Mitchell emphasized. His mantra, trust what we’ve built, reflects two years of meticulous preparation under professional structures since 2019. This setup contrasts sharply with Canada’s semi-professional model, where players juggle commitments and even crowdfund their campaigns.
Canada, ranked second in the world, have been the tournament’s surprise package under coach Kevin Rouet. They dismantled New Zealand 28-12 in the semi-finals, marking their first final appearance since losing to England in 2014. With a Mission: Win Rugby World Cup fundraising drive at 95% of its million-dollar goal, Canada’s journey is one of grit and innovation. They’ve outplayed every opponent with clinical precision, blending athleticism and tactical nous. Yet, England hold the edge as favorites, especially on home soil at a sold-out Twickenham, where 82,000 fans will create an electric atmosphere.
The crowd size shatters records: it eclipses the 58,498 who attended England’s 2023 Six Nations win over France at the same venue—the previous high for a women’s XVs match—and tops the 66,000 at the women’s rugby sevens during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Our staff and players have worked hard to reach this stage, Mitchell noted. Playing a World Cup final at Allianz Stadium [Twickenham] in front of a record 82,000 is a significant milestone for the sport. He added that his team is well prepared for the challenge against Canada. It is number one versus number two in the world, and we know the contest will demand a full 80 minutes. Our focus remains on staying in our process and executing effectively.
Last year’s WXV1 encounter in Vancouver saw England edge Canada 28-19, a nine-point margin that Mitchell will draw upon. But Canada have evolved, growing fitter and more cohesive. They have been outstanding and have played some really great rugby, Mitchell acknowledged. We believe it is going to take an 80-minute performance. They deserve to be in the final.
Key Players and Tactics: The Strengths of an England Unchanged Side
Delving deeper into the lineup reveals why this England unchanged selection is so potent. At full-back, Kildunne’s game-reading and counter-attacking prowess make her indispensable. On the wings, Dow and Breach provide width and speed, with Breach’s try haul underscoring her threat. The midfield pairing of Jones and Tatyana Heard, despite Heard’s semi-final struggles against France, has blossomed into a dynamic duo. Heard crashes the ball forward, creating space for Jones’s sleight-of-foot magic— a synergy that’s far more effective than opting for a playmaker like bench cover Holly Aitchison.
The forward pack, anchored by Aldcroft’s leadership, Cokayne’s lineout work, and Matthews’ all-around energy, forms a rock-solid foundation. Prop-packed scrums with Hannah Botterman and Loosehead Sarah Bern (from the bench) ensure set-piece dominance. Natasha Hunt at scrum-half brings tempo control, even if critics like former World Cup winner Kat Merchant suggested Lucy Packer’s quicker breakdown service might unlock the backs more fluidly. Mitchell, however, prioritizes the trust forged over time. It is about trusting what we have built already, he said. Our players don’t always need to be perfect. We have been effective and that is all that matters.
The bench adds layers of impact: Aitchison’s creativity at inside centre, Packer’s snappy distribution, and forwards like Lizzie Hanlon and Maddie Feaunati for late-game surges. England typically peaks in the second half, leveraging their fitness edge—a crucial factor in a final expected to be a arm-wrestle.
The Bigger Picture: Elevating Women’s Rugby
This matchup transcends the pitch, symbolizing the growth of women’s rugby. England’s professionalism contrasts with Canada’s resourcefulness, yet both exemplify the sport’s rising global appeal. A win for the Red Roses would not only reclaim the crown but also inspire the next generation amid record-breaking attendance.
As the clock ticks toward kickoff on Saturday, September 27 at 16:00 BST, all eyes are on Twickenham. Tune in via BBC One, BBC Radio 5 Live, iPlayer, Sounds, or the BBC Sport app. With England unchanged and brimming with resolve, the final promises edge-of-your-seat action.
Line-up
England: Kildunne; Dow, Jones, Heard, Breach; Harrison, Hunt; Botterman, Cokayne, Muir, Talling, Ward, Aldcroft (capt), Kabeya, Matthews.
Replacements: Atkin-Davies, Clifford, Bern, Galligan, Feaunati, L Packer, Aitchison, Rowland.
In the end, Mitchell’s faith in an England unchanged team embodies the heart of championship rugby: belief in the collective journey. Trust what they’ve built, and watch history unfold.
