England women's head coach John Mitchell has praised his team's 87-4 victory over Scotland, calling it a 'special' performance despite a challenging week leading up to the match. The Red Roses had to overcome a series of injuries, including the loss of Alex Matthews to a shoulder injury, and adapt to changes in their lineup.
Mitchell shifted star player Ellie Kildunne to the wing, and the team responded with a dominant display, scoring five tries in the first half and seven in the second. The win showcased the team's depth and resilience, with younger players making a significant impact. Mitchell attributed the success to the team's courage and ability to adapt to a new style of play, saying, 'I think it is the courage that we are showing to a new style of football and I think it is great and they seem to be enjoying it.' The victory solidified England's position as a team to beat in the tournament, with Mitchell emphasizing the importance of authenticity and individuality in their gameplay. In contrast, Scotland struggled with depth issues, with former Scotland international Jade Konkel noting that the team's lack of depth and adaptability ultimately led to their defeat.