Women's Rugby World Cup preview | England v France

England are two matches from glory

They are preparing to face France in the semi-final of the Women's Rugby World Cup 

Author | Adrian S

Pre match national anthems v USA

After sweeping past Scotland 40-8 in the quarter-finals, the Red Roses will meet France for a place in the final.

The sides last clashed little more than a month ago in a Rugby World Cup warm-up match.

England are unbeaten at the tournament, having scored 248 points across their four matches. They have conceded just 25 points in that time. 

Should this be a straightforward win for England?

The victory over Scotland in the quarter-final was England’s 31st in succession, extending their own world record for consecutive wins in international rugby union.

Their dominance against France is equally striking, with 16 straight victories since their last defeat in 2018.

While the Red Roses were emphatic in the most recent meeting, encounters between the two teams are more often tightly contested.

Post-match huddle v Samoa

England team news and a preview from the Head Coach

Full-back Ellie Kildunne and prop Hannah Botterman have been restored to the starting XV after sitting out the quarter-final win over Scotland, while fly-half Zoe Harrison and lock Abbie Ward move up from the bench.

Head coach John Mitchell has said: “We’ve earned this stage, and now we’ve got another chance to earn the right. Our game is working and is the right way; by working together we’ll keep getting better.”

How did France reach this stage?

Ranked fourth in the world, France booked their quarter-final place after overturning a 13-point deficit against Ireland.

Historically, France have always performed well in this competition. With six Rugby World Cup bronze medals under their belts, they will be relishing their opportunity to progress beyond the final four. Can they cause a shock?

Previous encounters between the two sides

A 2025 Women’s Six Nations encounter between the two was decided by just one point, while their 2021 World Cup fixture also finished in an England victory.