The Red Roses, England's national women's rugby team, are set to make a strong bid for the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, hosted on their home turf. Under the guidance of head coach John Mitchell, the team has unveiled a robust 32-player squad, blending experience with emerging talent.

Squad Composition and Leadership

Zoe Aldcroft, a veteran of three World Cups, will captain the team. The squad includes 18 forwards and 14 backs, with a total of 1,374 international caps among them. Notable players include Emily Scarratt, who is preparing for her fifth World Cup, and several newcomers like Abi Burton and May Campbell, who will be making their World Cup debuts.

Strategic Preparations

Coach Mitchell emphasized the rigorous two-year selection process, focusing on a mix of positional coverage, skill, mindset, and team cohesion. "We believe this is a squad that can win the World Cup," Mitchell stated, highlighting the rare opportunity to compete on home soil.

Recent Achievements and Future Challenges

Since the last World Cup, England has secured back-to-back Six Nations Grand Slams and remained unbeaten. The team's journey begins against the United States at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland on August 22. England aims to reclaim the World Cup title they last won in 2014, following a narrow defeat in the 2022 final against New Zealand.

Key Players to Watch

• Zoe Aldcroft: Captain and a pillar of the forward line.
• Emily Scarratt: A seasoned back with unparalleled experience.
• Abi Burton: A promising newcomer expected to make an impact.

England Squad

Forwards: Hannah Botterman, Mackenzie Carson, Sarah Bern, Maud Muir, Kelsey Clifford, Lark Atkin-Davies, Amy Cokayne, May Campbell, Zoe Aldcroft (captain), Abbie Ward, Rosie Galligan, Morwenna Talling, Lilli Ives Campion, Alex Matthews, Sadia Kabeya, Maddie Feaunati, Marlie Packer, Abi Burton. Backs: Lucy Packer, Natasha Hunt, Zoe Harrison, Helena Rowland, Holly Aitchison, Emily Scarratt, Jade Shekells, Tatyana Heard, Meg Jones, Abby Dow, Ellie Kildunne, Jess Breach, Emma Sing, Claudia MacDonald.

As the tournament approaches, the Red Roses are poised to showcase their prowess and determination to bring the World Cup trophy back to England.