One final push and the Red Roses will have their long-awaited shot at redemption. For those who fell just short in the 2017 tournament the wait has not always been easy. “The World Cup is something I’ve craved for so long now,” says Zoe Aldcroft, the England lock who was named World Rugby’s player of the year 12 months ago. “Everything I’ve done has been working towards this competition.”
Hence the coiled spring vibe around the England camp before their semi-final against Canada on Saturday. Having to stay in the same city centre hotel as their opponents this week has, if anything, intensified their focus. When there is every chance of bumping into your opposite number in the lift it makes it harder still to switch off and think about something other than rugby.
