'Raising our game' - Mitchell ups bar of expectation for flawless Red Roses

England head coach John Mitchell says the Red Roses' clash with Wales is all about raising their game, as his side look to build on a dominant start to the 2026 Six Nations and keep evolving despite their long unbeaten run.

>Mitchell has been clear that England's focus is on pushing standards higher rather than dwelling on last week's 84-7 win over Scotland, a result that stretched their streak to 35 matches.

>He emphasised that Wales, improving under the stewardship of Sean Lynn, will test England differently.

>"Last weekend was a special performance by the team at Murrayfield and one the whole squad and staff can be proud of, but we've already left that behind us," Mitchell said.

>"This week is about being clear on where our game is strong and where we need to improve. Wales are a side that over-commit at the contest, which will challenge us in a different way.

>"It's one we're looking forward to, and an opportunity to keep evolving our game beyond the level we've started to build.

>"Wales are improving, playing with greater clarity and enthusiasm and we know we'll have to earn that right again.

>"For us, it's about elevating our game. That means being courageous in our skillsets, building better connections and owning our decisions.

>"I love this side when it embraces those challenges, especially in front of a sold-out Ashton Gate."

>For Mitchell, that makes Saturday's sell-out in Bristol another chance to sharpen England's decision‑making, connections and ambition with ball in hand.

>The match will also see Bristol winger Millie David earn her first cap.

>The 20‑year‑old has been in prolific form with 26 tries in 31 Premiership Women's Rugby appearances, and now gets her opportunity on the international stage.

>Mackenzie Carson comes in for her first start of the tournament at loose‑head, while Delaney Burns joins the squad following Lilli Ives Campion's injury.

>A debut on the horizon for Millie David 🌹

John Mitchell has named his team to face Wales at Ashton Gate this Saturday.@O2 | #WearTheRose

>Wales, meanwhile, are searching for their first Six Nations win since 2024 and arrive after a 38-7 defeat to France, a match in which they were level at half‑time before fading.

>Branwen Metcalfe replaces injured captain Kate Williams in the back row, and Alisha Joyce returns to the matchday squad five months after giving birth, taking a place on the bench.

>Recent history is firmly on England's side - Wales have not beaten them since 2015 and lost 67-12 in Cardiff last year - but Mitchell insists the priority is internal progress rather than past results.

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