England's head coach, John Mitchell, emphasizes that the upcoming match against Wales is an opportunity for the Red Roses to raise the bar and build on their dominant start to the 2026 Six Nations. Despite their impressive 84-7 win over Scotland, which extended their unbeaten streak to 35 matches, Mitchell is focused on pushing the team to higher standards rather than dwelling on past successes.
He notes that Wales, under the guidance of Sean Lynn, will pose a different challenge, and England must be prepared to adapt and improve. Mitchell commented, "We've left last weekend's performance behind us, and this week is about identifying areas where our game is strong and where we need to improve. Wales will test us in different ways, and we're looking forward to the opportunity to evolve our game." The match will see Millie David earn her first cap for England, while Mackenzie Carson will make her first start of the tournament. Wales, seeking their first Six Nations win since 2024, has made changes to their lineup, including the return of Alisha Joyce to the matchday squad.
Mitchell stresses that the priority is internal progress, rather than past results, and he is excited for the challenge ahead, saying, "I love this side when it embraces challenges, especially in front of a sold-out crowd. For us, it's about elevating our game, being courageous in our skillsets, and making better connections." The sold-out match at Ashton Gate will provide England with another chance to sharpen their decision-making, connections, and ambition with the ball in hand.