As the Women's Six Nations 2026 approaches, a key question arises: can England's defence hold up amidst their winning streak? The early signs are not entirely promising. In their opening matches, England conceded a total of 19 points against Ireland and Scotland, a notable increase from their previous campaign. This defensive vulnerability is further exacerbated by a series of injuries and changes within the team, including the absence of four World Cup winners due to pregnancy.
Head coach John Mitchell has been vocal about the challenges of integrating new players and teaching them new positions. With 30 players featuring so far, including five debutants, the team is going through a period of transition. Mitchell's comments highlight the importance of learning individual roles within a defensive system, a process that takes time and could potentially impact England's performance.
The statistics paint a concerning picture. England is conceding, on average, 4.8 more points and 0.8 more tries per game compared to last year's campaign. Missed tackles are up by 3.45 per game, and dominant tackles have decreased significantly. While the improvement of other teams in the championship is a factor, England's defensive lapses have been costly.
Flanker Abi Burton acknowledges the need to tighten up their defence, especially against their upcoming title rivals, France. The Red Roses' defence, coached by former captain Sarah Hunter, has shown some improvement in certain areas, such as conceding fewer line breaks. However, these gains have not translated into fewer points conceded, indicating a need for better defensive cohesion.
France's ability to attack from deep poses a significant threat to England's vulnerable defence. Full-back Pauline Barrat and Lea Murie, who scored a stunning try against Scotland, could exploit any space given to them. England's star player, Ellie Kildunne, continues to shine, leading the competition in carries, metres gained, line breaks, and offloads. With a large crowd expected at the Stade Atlantique, a high-scoring game could suit both sides, potentially offering England a way to overcome their defensive challenges.
In my opinion, England's defence is a work in progress, and the upcoming match against France will be a true test of their resilience and adaptability. The team's ability to learn and grow under Mitchell's guidance will be crucial in maintaining their winning streak. While the statistics may not favour them at the moment, the Red Roses have the talent and determination to turn things around. It's an exciting prospect to witness how they navigate this challenging period and emerge stronger on the other side.
