Mitchell urges Red Roses to look beyond defeats as England face USA to end two-match skid

England head coach John Mitchell has rung six changes to his starting XV ahead of Friday’s Test against the USA Women’s Eagles in New Jersey, with the Red Roses seeking to end a two-match losing run after consecutive defeats to Canada — their first losses since a 41-match unbeaten streak came to a close.

Mitchell, who inherited a winning run of 10 games and extended it through England’s Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 title, acknowledged he had long anticipated a dip in form. “I’ve been waiting for it,” he said. “It’s not something that I make excuses about, but I’ve been waiting for a dip. For me, it’s really exciting to get the information that we have.”

The England coach framed the setbacks as a useful moment for experimentation and renewal, noting that pregnancies and injuries have opened the door for younger players this year. “We’ve got a lot of young players going into their 11th Test match for the year, and we’ve got some outstanding players to come back as well. There are a couple of things I’ve tried that haven’t paid off, but it’s a good time to try things.”

For the clash in New Jersey, Holly Aitchison and Flo Robinson form the half-back partnership, with Mackenzie Carson and Maud Muir starting at prop. Tatyana Heard comes in at inside centre, and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald takes her place on the wing.

England face a USA side that has won its last five matches, with forward Freda Tafuna posing a particular threat having scored seven tries in her last four appearances.

Mitchell was clear, however, that individual results should not overshadow the programme’s longer-term direction — which is already focused on the 2029 World Cup cycle. “The main message is not to let a Test match define you,” he said. “We have a far greater purpose than losing one Test match or a Test series to a very good rugby nation in Canada. We have a very clear vision.”

The coach added that the lessons drawn from the recent defeats would inform greater accountability among England’s centrally contracted players going forward. “What will come from that is the establishment of key behaviours, which will lead to greater accountability among our centrally contracted players and ensure that we continue to grow.”