England Women's Rugby Team Embracing Their 'Aura' Ahead of Home World Cup

As the Rugby World Cup approaches, the England women’s team is entering the tournament with an air of confidence and determination. Known as the Red Roses, the squad has been on an incredible run of form, having won 55 out of their last 56 games since 2019. Their only loss in that span came in the 2022 World Cup final, when New Zealand secured a dramatic late victory on home soil. Since then, the team has made it a mission to overcome that defeat, with a string of impressive wins over the Black Ferns and dominant performances in European competitions.

England's head coach, John Mitchell, a former All Blacks coach, has emphasized the team's focus on internal standards rather than external expectations. Speaking at Twickenham, he said: “We have set a standard and it's a standard they look to remain consistent with. We are looking at the ability to be successful with opportunity and stay away from the risk of failure.” Mitchell believes the team has grown significantly in terms of depth and experience, which he sees as crucial in handling the physical and mental challenges of a World Cup.

“Some people tend to frame 'pressure' as a negative word whereas I see this as an opportunity to be successful,” Mitchell added. “Our focus is only on our first match against the US, and the girls are living those values. There's a nice look in their eyes at the moment as well.”

Zoe Aldcroft, the team’s captain, is determined to put the ghosts of 2022 behind her. Injured in the final just 27 minutes into the game, Aldcroft has since embraced the team’s dominant position in the sport. “We have built this expectation around us, and I think that's a massive privilege that we've worked hard to hold that aura around us,” she said.

Another player ready to make an impact is Abi Burton, a back rower who had a life-changing battle with an autoimmune disease in 2022. After spending over 10 weeks in hospital, including 28 days in a coma, Burton has returned to the sport with a renewed sense of purpose. “Mum and dad are super proud, but they don't base their pride on how I do at rugby. They're more proud that I finished university after my illness. They're just happy that I'm alive and I'm functioning well and I can live on my own,” she said.

As the team prepares for their home World Cup, the Red Roses are carrying the weight of high expectations. But for Mitchell and the players, the focus is on the journey, not the destination. With a strong sense of unity and a deep belief in their abilities, England is ready to take on the world once again.