The Red Roses secured their seventh consecutive Six Nations title with a dramatic 43-42 victory over France, but their nervy finish has sparked debate about their readiness for the upcoming World Cup. While England’s head coach John Mitchell claims the narrow win was the perfect preparation for the global competition, others, including former England hooker Brian Moore, have raised concerns. Moore questioned whether England would have escaped with a win had they been playing New Zealand, offering a pointed reminder of the unpredictability and pressure of World Cup competition.
England’s performance against France highlighted their strengths, with standout displays from Zoe Aldcroft and Alex Matthews, but it also revealed some cracks in their usually formidable armor. Despite the win, there were echoes of the 2022 World Cup final loss to the Black Ferns. England’s dominance on the world stage has been undeniable, but moments of vulnerability remain.
Mitchell, who was appointed to prevent England from repeating past World Cup disappointments, has overseen a team that continues to dominate the Six Nations, winning seven straight titles. Yet, Saturday’s performance raised questions about whether England can remain unshaken under the pressure of a World Cup. Their rivals will undoubtedly look at the tape and take note of the Red Roses’ struggles in the second half, where they failed to cope with France’s direct ball-carrying and allowed gaps out wide. While England were still able to secure the win, the nervy finish suggests that when things start to go wrong, they may struggle to regain control.
The analogy to golf’s Rory McIlroy is fitting one minute you’re in complete control, and the next, you’re facing unexpected challenges. For England, the pressure of past World Cup heartbreak, particularly the 2022 final, is an ever-present psychological obstacle. In moments of tension, they might struggle to keep their composure, and the question remains: can they overcome these mental barriers when it truly matters?
The Red Roses’ performance against France was a reminder that their greatest obstacle could be internal. Despite their extraordinary winning record, they are still susceptible to moments of doubt and panic. If they had faced New Zealand, for example, their chances of success would have been much slimmer. While injuries like Ellie Kildunne’s absence were a factor, the team’s performance against France shows that their psychological resilience is an area that needs work.
This brings to mind another famous World Cup in England’s history the 2003 men’s tournament. Back then, England were also heavy favorites, coming off an impressive Six Nations campaign, only to scrape through the World Cup final after extra time. That victory, while euphoric, also brought to light the immense pressure that comes with being a favorite. England’s narrow escape in 2023 may have similar consequences, reigniting doubts and self-reflection ahead of the 2025 World Cup.
With heightened expectations for the Red Roses, not only to win but also to inspire and elevate women’s rugby, the pressure is mounting. They undoubtedly have the talent and skill to go all the way, but the distractions and pressure may prove difficult to manage. While some argue that their close call against France will serve as a valuable learning experience, it’s clear that England’s psychological fortitude will be tested in the coming months. Their ability to stay focused under pressure will ultimately determine whether they can break the cycle of near misses and claim the elusive World Cup title.
