Red Roses Captain Zoe Aldcroft returns for quarter-final against Scotland

Captain Zoe Aldcroft is back for England after being sidelined for two Red Roses pool games.

The 28-year-old's return to training in Bristol has lifted levels as the tournament heads into the knockout stages and she returns at blindside flanker after missing games with Samoa and Australia.

Aldcroft is one of four changes to the team that started the victory over Australia last time out in Brighton. 

Fresh from two tries as a replacement versus the Wallaroos, Kelsey Clifford is named at loosehead prop in the only other alteration in the forwards. 

Holly Aitchison earns a first start of the tournament at fly-half, with Helena Rowland coming in at full-back. Aldcroft’s return sees Morwenna Talling switch to the second row.

“The first stage of the tournament is behind us, and now we enter a new stage of the competition that has an end point," said Mitchell.

“We are adapting well to different situations, and while we recognise Scotland have improved, we will still believe we can build pressure on them. This is an exciting challenge that we’re ready for.  

“We trust our girls to be consistent, take ownership of their roles, embrace the occasion, and earn the right to another week in this competition. 

“The enthusiasm surrounding the tournament has been incredible, with support growing across the country. We know Bristol will be no different, and the girls are relishing the opportunity to rise to the occasion.” 

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Rachel Malcolm will captain Scotland for the 53rd time against England, a record for both the men's and women's game in the country.

Coach Bryan Easson has made two changes to the team beaten by world numnber two side Canada last weekend with Jade Konkel getting her first start of the tournament in the back row and  Christine Belisle drafted in as tighthead prop.

Jade Konkel comes in at Number 8 for her first start of the tournament, with Evie Gallagher – scorer of two tries and the competition’s top tackler so far – switching to the openside flank.

"It's a unique milestone and never really thought about it till recently but I'm immensely proud to have captained this squad," said Malcolm.

With more than 400,000 tickets already sold, and prices starting at just £5 for children and £10 for adults, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets now via tickets.rugbyworldcup.com 

Red Roses team to play Scotland

15 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 43 caps)

14 Abby Dow (Unattached, 56 caps)

13 Megan Jones (Trailfinders Women, 30 caps)

12 Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 33 caps)

11  Jess Breach (Saracens, 50 caps)

10 Holly Aitchison (Sale Sharks, 41 caps)

9 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 85 caps)

1 Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 18 caps)

2 Amy Cokayne (Sale Sharks, 86 caps)

3 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 45 caps)

4 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 25 caps)

5 Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 28 caps)

6 Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 66 caps) - captain

7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 25 caps)

8 Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 78 caps)

Replacements

16 Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 71 caps)

17 Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 22 caps)

18 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 76 caps)

19 Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 78 caps)

20 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 20 caps)

21 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 36 caps)

22 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 62 caps)

23 Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 12 caps)