England’s 2017 World Cup ended with the players hugging one another, shaking from tears and heartbreak at their failure to defend the title. After the 41-32 defeat to New Zealand the Red Roses watched as their trophy from 2014 was lifted by one of their biggest rivals. Fast forward five years (the extra one due to the pandemic) and Simon Middleton’s England are just 35 days away from launching their bid to avenge that defeat.
On Saturday they face the USA Eagles at Sandy Park, one of two friendlies – the other is against Wales on 14 September – aimed at helping them into their best shape for their revenge mission this autumn. The England head coach says Saturday’s fixture is crucial to their preparation.
