England came into this tournament as the number-one ranked side in the world, and have kept the target on their back with a clean sweep of victories over USA, Samoa and Australia in the pool stage. The Red Roses are looking to add to their two Rugby World Cup titles (1994, 2014) and many are picking them to do so as one of this tournament's juggernauts. Their immense pack and slick backline will have fans expecting their side to stay alive for one more week at least, but we all know there are no guarantees in sport.
Scotland arrived for their first game against Wales on the back of indifferent form in the build-up to the tournament, but hit their straps immediately. A convincing win over their Six Nations rivals and another against Fiji the following week handed the Scots a first quarter-final place since 2002, and they pushed a highly fancied Canada outfit all the way in their final pool outing. The Scots, especially given their opposition are their biggest rivals in all sports, will be out to prove a new era is on its way.
Kick-off: 16:00 BST, Sunday, 14 September
Venue: Ashton Gate, Bristol
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England team
England's key player: With Ellie Kildunne missing this match through injury, all eyes are on full-back Helena Rowland. The 25-year-old is one of the most versatile backs in the global game, so Rowland is certainly capable of filling the boots of Kildunne - but the magnitude of the game and the pressure that invites on the last line of defence means Rowland will be looking to make some early inroads to settle the nerves.
Scotland team
Scotland's key player: Scotland head coach Bryan Easson has switched up his back row for Sunday, with Jade Konkel coming in at number eight for her first start of the tournament and Evie Gallagher switching to the openside flank. Gallagher is #RWC2025's top tackler of the pool stage, so her battle with opposite number Sadia Kabeya is set to be a mouth-watering one!
What England said
England head coach John Mitchell:
"I think everyone has raised their performance. Clearly people will say that Scotland have raised their performance against us but there’s still vulnerability in the Scottish team. There’s still opportunities to build pressure, so we’ll be hunting those weaknesses. We believe that we can adapt to all weather conditions. We’ve got particular players up our sleeve that allow us to be able to dictate opportunities at the other end of the field through the weather."
England captain Zoe Aldcroft:
"I would have rather been involved but now I’m ready to attack these next few weeks definitely. But I have full trust in the girls that they are doing the job that they’ve prepared to do. Sitting on the sidelines is a completely different perspective and view of it all. You understand the game a little bit more when you’re watching from the sideline and see the intricate bits that we speak about."
England fly-half Holly Aitchison:
"We’re just always working to be better and the processing is the same, but it’s just the small things each week that change, so we focus ourselves on that, making small changes that allow us to be the best we can be. I think everyone is excited, it’s a World Cup, it’s hard not to be for every game. We’re excited for the challenge to improve. We had a massive defensive display last week."
What Scotland said
Scotland head coach Bryan Easson:
"They’re a very difficult side to play against; they’re world number one for a reason. They can look at games tactically and operate in the way they want to play. We’ve probably not performed the best we can against them, but this is a great opportunity in terms of a World Cup quarter-final in their backyard, and performances would suggest that we are improving."
Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm:
"This group makes me proud every day, regardless of the performance, just because of what we go up against and what we fight for to be a part of this team. To see what we've known has been building for a really long time come into fruition in the last couple of weeks has probably been the happiest time I've had, as part of this squad."
Scotland inside-centre Lisa Thomson:
"We’re not going to shy away from the history of our games against England, but this is the most we’ve ever been prepared to play them. Our attack and defence have been firing, and this is the most confident we’ve ever felt in our game plan."
