England women’s rugby coach John Mitchell says his team will focus on their own goals and standards rather than what others expect. They are entering the Rugby World Cup at home as strong favourites, having won 55 out of 56 games since 2019. The only loss was in the 2022 World Cup final against New Zealand, which still hurts.
Since then, England—known as the Red Roses—have beaten New Zealand multiple times and have dominated teams in Europe. But if they don’t win the final at Twickenham on September 27, their current 25-match winning streak may feel like another missed opportunity.
Mitchell, who became coach in 2023, says outside opinions don’t affect the team. “We’ve created high standards and the team wants to maintain them,” he said. “We’re not thinking about failure. This is a new team with a fresh chance to finish what we started.”
He also believes the team now has more experienced players and better backup options, which will help deal with the injuries and setbacks that often happen in a World Cup. “That depth will help us face challenges. Our biggest motivation comes from competing with each other inside the team,” he explained. “Some see pressure as a bad thing, but I see it as a chance to succeed. We’ve learned from tough games and know what we need to improve. Right now, we’re only focused on our first match against the USA.”
Team captain Zoe Aldcroft, who got injured early in the 2022 final, is eager to help the team win this time. “We’ve created a strong reputation, and it’s something we’re proud of,” she said. “We’ve built a strong team spirit and as long as we support each other, that’s what matters most.”
Another inspiring story is back-row player Abi Burton. She used to play Olympic rugby but became very sick in 2022. She spent over 10 weeks in the hospital, including 28 days in a coma, after being misdiagnosed with a mental illness. Now, she’s made a full recovery and earned a spot in the World Cup squad after making her debut earlier this year.
“I always believed I’d come back, but I didn’t know how long it would take,” said Burton. “My parents are proud, not because I’m playing again, but because I survived, finished university, and can now live independently.”
FAQ
Why are England Women seeking redemption at the Rugby World Cup 2025?
England Women are aiming to bounce back after their narrow loss in the 2021 Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand.
When and where will the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup take place?
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup will be held in England, giving the team a chance to perform on home soil.
What does “unwavering belief” refer to in the title?
It highlights the team’s strong confidence and determination to win the tournament and overcome past disappointments.
Who is coaching the England Women’s rugby team for the 2025 World Cup?
As of now, John Mitchell is the head coach, leading the team’s preparations and strategy for the World Cup.
