Mitchell has selected a 38-strong training squad for the 2026 Six Nations campaign.
The balance is 22 forwards, 16 backs.
There is a simple equation: six have to be omitted from the final squad: there are seven uncapped players listed – Christiana Balogun, Haineala Lutui, Annabel Meta, Demelza Short, Jodie Verghese, Millie David and Sarah Parry. Many congratulations to them, but which can survive the cull?
Likeliest of all is Verghese. Among the seven unavailables (Lark Atkin-Davies, Rosie Galligan, Cath O’Donnell, Jade Shekells, Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward and Ella Wyrwas), no fewer than four are locks (I still consider the long-term captain as a 2nd-rower!).
Verghese is a No 5, who, having moved from Loughborough Lightning to Saracens last summer, is quite used to winning.
But that part of the team line-up will come under the severest pressure. England has enjoyed nearly total command there.
The absence of so many first-choice players brings a real challenge for the surviving 32. It will reveal the true strength of the PWR.
Disappointments
It’s a long time since the RFU published a complete list of contracted players, but among missing names we may note: Maisy Allen, Sarah Beckett, Liz Crake, Steph Else, Katie Buchanan and Carmela Morrall.
Only part of the answer lies in team balance.
It’s sad for Jade Shekells and Cath O’Donnell that they cannot be included; O’Donnell in particular has suffered chronic injuries across the years. Otherwise she would surely have amassed a suitcase full of caps.
Venues and Gates
It’s England’s turn to enjoy only two home matches. But latest news that ticket sales for the Ireland match at the Allianz have topped 67,000 is excellent. The top tier has to be opened again. That is top-tier news in two senses.
Don’t forget to bring your telescope!
England’s schedule:
Round 1 v Ireland home (HQ)
Round 2 v Scotland away
Round 3 v Wales home (Bristol)
Round 4 v Italy away
Round 5 v France away
It will be fascinating to see how the three home games are allocated next year. Will a venue north of the Trent be found?
