women
international women
John Mitchell knew the Red Roses’ 41-match unbeaten run would end at some point. It was just a matter of when.
Mitchell inherited a 10-game hitting streak. He extended it and helped England Women claim Rugby World Cup A title from 2025.
This year, with pregnancies and injuries creating opportunities, Mitchell has brought a number of young players into the Red Roses squad and set the wheels in motion for the 2029 World Cup cycle.
Now, ahead of their 11th Test match in 2026 against USA England’s New Jersey Women’s Eagles are looking to snap a two-game losing streak after back-to-back losses to Canada.
“I’ve been waiting for it,” Mitchell said. “It’s not something I’m making excuses for, but I’ve been waiting to get involved.
“It’s really exciting for me to get the information that we have. I’ve tried some things, too, and we’ve been like 60/40 in terms of rebuilding.
“We have a lot of young players going into their 11th Test match of the year and we have some outstanding players coming back.
“There’s a few things I’ve tried that haven’t worked out, but it’s a good time to try things. I’m actually okay with that.”
“As a result of what we experienced, I will find a goal and definitely create a new stimulus in our game and some of our processes.
“I think we’re also going to create more accountability away from the environment. All of those things point well to where we want to go next.”
For Friday night’s clash, Mitchell made six changes to his starting XV.
Holly Aitchison and Flo Robinson form the half-back partnership, while Mackenzie Carson and Maud Muir start at prop. Tatyana Heard comes into the center and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald takes her place on the wing.
A changed team will be tasked with ending England’s two-game losing streak.
Facing a USA Women’s Eagles team that has won its last five matches will be a significant challenge, especially with Fred Tafuno in the opposition ranks. The striker has scored seven tries in his last four matches.
Whatever happens on Friday, Mitchell’s attention will soon turn to the next steps for the Red Roses as the rest of the world begins to close the gap on 2026.
“The main message is don’t let the test match define you,” Mitchell said. “We have a far bigger goal than losing one test match or a test series against a very good rugby nation in Canada.
“We have a very clear vision. We also have a very clear philosophy, although it is not the standard that we demand to be nor as fast as it should be.
“What will come out of that is the establishment of key behaviors, which will lead to greater accountability among our centrally contracted players and ensure we continue to grow.”