1,001 Days and Counting – Unbeatable England in Ideal World Cup Shape
One thousand and one days—and not a single defeat. That’s the remarkable record England’s Red Roses carry into the 2025 World Cup, cementing their status as rugby’s most dominant force. Since their heart-wrenching loss to New Zealand in the 2022 World Cup final, England has been unstoppable, racking up an astonishing 27-match winning streak. With the tournament now just weeks away, their latest demolition of France—a commanding 40-6 victory—sent a clear message: England isn’t just ready, they’re built to conquer.
A Statement Win Ahead of the 2025 World Cup
France, ranked fourth in the world, are far from pushovers. Earlier this year, they pushed England to the absolute limit in a Six Nations thriller, falling just short in a 43-42 epic that showed they could challenge anyone. But when the two sides met again in their final warm-up match, England delivered a masterclass that left no doubt about their superiority.
Not only did they cross the try line six times, but their suffocating defence—spearheaded by forwards Maud Muir and Marlie Packer—held France to just two penalties, denying them a single try. Head coach John Mitchell was quick to credit defence coach Sarah Hunter, whose transition from former captain to strategist has been instrumental in England’s relentless dominance.
Sarah is a world-class coach, Mitchell said. Her understanding of our system is second to none, and the players trust her completely. Her influence is a big reason why we’re in such a strong position heading into the 2025 World Cup.
With only days remaining before England faces the USA in their tournament opener, the starting XV that dismantled France could very well be the blueprint for their campaign. Eleven changes were made from the squad that annihilated Spain 97-7, yet the core of this team—stars like Ellie Kildunne, Abby Dow, and Zoe Harrison—look sharper than ever.
Key Players Rising to the Occasion
Zoe Harrison, in particular, silenced any lingering doubts about her suitability for the No. 10 jersey. After an early missed conversion, she settled into a rhythm, dictating play with precision kicks and orchestrating England’s forward dominance. Her ability to turn field position into points through rolling mauls was a nightmare for France’s defence.
Maud Muir, England’s powerhouse prop, was another standout. She’s an absolute bulldozer, said captain Zoe Aldcroft. Whether it’s in the scrum or open play, Maud is quick, relentless, and just unstoppable.
Yet, for all their strengths, England’s attack wasn’t flawless. Only one of their six tries came from the backs—a concern for a team that was found out in the 2022 final when New Zealand neutralized their forward-heavy approach. With creative players like Holly Aitchison and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald nursing injuries, Mitchell must find the right balance between brute force and backline brilliance.
Will England Extend Their Unbeaten Run to 1,050 Days?
The path to redemption is clear. The 2025 World Cup offers England the chance to erase the pain of 2022, and with a squad this deep, this relentless, and this focused, few would bet against them. Mitchell has embraced the pressure, insisting it’s a privilege rather than a burden.
Expectations come with success, and we’ve earned that, he said. This group thrives under pressure, and we wouldn’t want it any other way.
As the countdown to Twickenham’s final on September 27th begins, England’s unbeaten streak stands at 1,001 days—and counting. If they maintain this imperious form, they won’t just win the 2025 World Cup; they’ll redefine what dominance looks like in women’s rugby.
Right now, losing seems like the furthest thing from their minds. For everyone else, the challenge is clear: stopping this English juggernaut may be mission impossible.
