England Faces Group Stage Challenge Without Skipper
The England squad will continue their group-stage campaign without captain Zoe Aldcroft, who suffered a knee injury in the opening match against the USA. She joins Emily Scarratt (shoulder) and Holly Aitchison (ankle) on the sidelines.
Marlie Packer returns for her first appearance in the tournament, taking the captain’s armband for her fourth World Cup. The 35-year-old is among 13 changes from the team that played last Friday.
Megan Jones retains her spot at outside centre after a full 80-minute performance against the USA, partnering with Jade Shekells in midfield. Helena Rowland gets an opportunity at fly-half.
England lineup: Emma Sing; Jess Breach, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Megan Jones, Jade Shekells, Helena Rowland, Lucy Packer; Kelsey Clifford, Lark Atkin-Davies, Sarah Bern, Lilli Ives Campion, Rosie Galligan, Abi Burton, Marlie Packer (c), Maddie Feaunati.
Replacements: May Campbell, MacKenzie Carson, Maud Muir, Morwenna Talling, Sadia Kabeya, Natasha Hunt, Zoe Harrison, Ellie Kildunne.
England remains one of the most dominant teams in international sports, with a significant gap between them and their rivals. Given their resources and development, they are clear favorites to win the tournament.
While they comfortably defeated the USA 69-7 in their first match, expectations are higher this time. A bonus-point win isn’t enough—England must deliver a complete performance, with precision in set pieces, attacking structure, and defensive execution.
Kickoff is at 5pm BST in Northampton. Follow for updates.
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