Amy Cokayne: Red Roses not at 'panic stations' after Canada defeat

England vice-captain Amy Cokayne has insisted that the Red Roses are not at “panic stations” after their WXV Global Series loss to Canada.

Shoshanah Seumanutafa’s 78th-minute try proved to be the difference between the two teams as Kévin Rouet’s side registered a 24-21 win.

The defeat at BMO Field ended the Red Roses’ 41-match unbeaten run, their first loss since the 2021 Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand at Eden Park.

Due to face Canada again this Friday night at Ottawa’s TD Place, the Red Roses have an opportunity to register an immediate response.

“We know we’re not miles off,” Cokayne said. “We weren’t completely blown off the park. A lot of the stuff was in our control and we maybe let the game slip.

“Just a few minor errors really that had big consequences. There’s no major panic stations, throw the book out. It was just fine-tuning what we’ve kind of laid the foundations on already.”

In the aftermath of defeat, Cokayne revealed that the squad had already analysed the loss and identified the areas they need to improve.

“There were tiny little moments or slight execution pieces that we know, with an extra week together, we can get right,” she said.

“We’ve got some clear areas that we want to go after and a clear plan. Hopefully we can put it all together during training this week and deliver it on Friday night.”

Defeat is unfamiliar territory for many in the Red Roses squad, several of whom had never lost a Test in an England shirt. Jess Breach, meanwhile, suffered her first such defeat on her 60th cap.

As a member of England’s leadership group, Cokayne has helped the squad navigate the disappointment and refocus on the challenge ahead.

“It’s okay to be disappointed,” Cokayne said. “It’s okay to be sad, but when we’ve got a job to do, turning up for training and stuff like that, we’ve got to see that switch.

“We’ve got to give people the space to feel the way they want to feel, but we can’t wallow in it for too long.”

Friday’s rematch offers the Red Roses an immediate opportunity to return to winning ways against the same opposition.

When England lost the 2021 Rugby World Cup final, they had to wait almost 12 months for another opportunity to face New Zealand. On that occasion, they emerged victorious.

The rematch against Canada will also provide England with a chance to build momentum before they conclude 2026 with a trip to New Jersey to take on the USA Women’s Eagles on Friday 30 October.

“The unique opportunity that we’ve got now is that previously, when we’ve lost games, we haven’t then had the opportunity to play against the same opposition the next week,” Cokayne said.

“So I think everyone’s really excited for the opportunity that we’ve got now to play the same opposition just a few days later. I’m sure Canada are just as excited as we are, so it should be a good game.”