London: England on Thursday named a 32-player squad for the Women's Rugby World Cup on home soil as they seek to improve on their runners-up position in 2022. The host nation, top of the international rankings, launch the 16-team tournament against the United States at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on August 22.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, head coach John Mitchell's squad comprises 18 forwards and 14 backs who total 1,374 international caps between them. Twenty-four of the group have previously competed at a World Cup, including captain Zoe Aldcroft, who will lead her country in her third World Cup. Emily Scarratt is set to compete in her fifth tournament, while Alex Matthews and Marlie Packer are in line for their fourth.
"It is a rare and awesome opportunity for this group to represent the Red Roses at a home World Cup," said Mitchell, a former coach of the men's All Blacks. "The selection process is never easy. It's been a thorough two-year process to select the right blend of positional cover, skill, mindset and connection -- we believe this is a squad that can win the World Cup."
England narrowly lost the World Cup final to New Zealand in Auckland in November 2022 but have won all 25 matches they have played since that defeat, claiming three consecutive Six Nations Grand Slams.