John Mitchell on England’s ‘outstanding’ World Cup Final opponent

England head coach John Mitchell has acknowledged Canada’s “outstanding” form ahead of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup Final, saying the Red Roses will need an 80-minute performance to claim the sport’s top prize.

Ellie Kildunne received Player of the Match honours after the Red Roses defeated France 35-17 last weekend at Bristol’s Ashton Gate. That was England’s 62^nd win from their last 63 Test matches, with their sole defeat occurring in the last World Cup Final three years ago.

With 82,000 fans set to create a record-breaking atmosphere at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium on Saturday afternoon, the Red Roses will have plenty of support in their corner when a formidable opponent begins to trade blows.

Canada captain Alex Tessier on being the dark horse in RWC

Canada captain Alex Tessier on being the dark horse in RWC

Canada booked their spot in the big dance with a 34-19 win over New Zealand in the semi-finals, having led by 24 points early in the second term. While the Black Ferns fought valiantly during the half, the Canadians did enough to hold on for a historic victory.

This will be Canada’s second-ever World Cup semi-final, having fallen to England in the decider at the 2014 tournament. Canada are unbeaten in 2025, which included a thrilling draw against the Black Ferns in New Zealand, and now have their sights set on England.

“They’ve been outstanding. They’ve played really great rugby. We respect them hugely,” Mitchell told reporters on Thursday.

“We believe it’s going to take an 80-minute performance. They’ve grown as well, they’re fitter. They deserve to be in the final as well.”

Mitchell has named a familiar side for this weekend’s clash, with Zoe Aldcroft set to lead the Red Roses into battle once again. Alex Mathews will get a chance to face Canada in a World Cup Final for the second time, with the backrower named 11 years on from the match in 2014.

World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year nominee Megan Jones has been named at outside centre for the sixth time in as many matches at this tournament, and winger Jess Breach has also featured in the run-on side in all of those Tests.

Ellie Kildunne, Abby Dow, Tatyana Heard, Zoe Harrison and Natasha Hunt are the other backline players in the First XV. England will have an experienced pack taking the field for the final, with more than 475 Test caps between the eight forwards named.

“I’m excited, just trying to look calm, relaxed and make sure that when I do speak that our message is really clear,” Mitchell explained.

“Tuesday morning I had a nice black coffee in the car and was grateful for the opportunity but then I thought, ‘this is where it really matters!’ And this is where I’ve got to find a solution and sell a solution to the girls to beat Canada. To me that’s the awesome part of the job.”

“I think what’s more important is how we play against Canada, what will work, and where we can build pressure on them. What we’ve done remarkably well in this tournament is treat each team for what they offer and what they present,” he added later on.

“We’re never going to be perfect, but to win this tournament you don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be perfected.”