England U21 Women’s head coach LJ Lewis and assistant coach Sarah McKenna have selected their matchday squad to face France in the 2026 Six Nations Women’s U21 Series.
The inaugural tournament concludes this Sunday (15:00 BST) at Bedford Blues’ Goldington Road with the game streamed live on the England Rugby YouTube channel.
Carmela Morrall of Loughborough Lightning is reintegrated into the starting XV for her 10th U21 cap and co-captain’s Lewis’ team alongside Sophie McQueen.
Grace Keel and Zoë Dare are added to the pack in the remaining alterations to the Matchday 2 squad that were narrowly defeated 40-41 by Ireland in Coventry.
Recent England U18 captain Honey Kerslake could earn her second U21 cap off the replacements bench.
LJ Lewis said: “Although it wasn’t the result we wanted, we were proud of the performance that the players put in against Ireland. Our players have responded by levelling up their preparation this week with a continued focus on our foundations and a clear aim on how we show up with courage this week.
“We have had the privilege to strengthen our bond again for another week as a group. I am very proud in how they have taken another step forward as individuals and a squad with a real focus on our set piece, collisions in defence, with a desire to play at speed by moving the ball.
“We know France will test us with their direct attack, but we are battle ready and there’s nothing more motivating than being on home soil. I am looking forward to seeing this talented group finish the tournament with another step up in performance.”
Tickets to England’s Six Nations Women’s U21 Series home fixture against France are available now.
England U21 Women’s team to face France (includes club, community club and previous U21 caps)
15 Solana Shaw de Leon (Harlequins, Sutton and Epsom, 2 caps)
14 Grace White (Trailfinders Women, Winscombe RFC, 3 caps) *
13 Millie Hyett (Bristol Bears, Evesham RFC, 10 caps)
12 Carmela Morrall (cc) (Loughborough Lightning, Dubai Hurricanes, 9 caps)
11 Jemma-Jo Linkins (Saracens, Ashford RFC, 1 cap) *
10 Ella Cromack (Harlequins, Reading RFC, 9 caps)
9 Amelia MacDougall (Saracens, Old Albanian RFC, 9 caps)
1 Annabel Meta (Trailfinders Women, Wimbledon RFC, 6 caps)
2 Hayley Jones (Trailfinders Women, Ealing Trailfinders, 2 caps)
3 Aisha Jah (Bristol Bears, Mansfield, 2 caps)
4 Grace Keel (Harlequins, North Bristol, 2 caps)
5 Keevy Fitzpatrick (Loughborough Lightning, Sudbury RFC, 4 caps)
6 Zoë Dare (Exeter Chiefs, Cullompton RFC, 1 cap) *
7 Kaya Acton (Loughborough Lightning, Hull Ionians RFC, 1 cap)
8 Sophie McQueen (cc) (Gloucester-Hartpury, Chippenham RFC, 5 caps)
Replacements
16 Lucy Simpson (Gloucester-Hartpury, Rams RFC, 4 caps)
17 Amelia Williams (Loughborough Lightning, Medway RFC, 12 caps)
18 Lilly Plowman (Exeter Chiefs, Crediton RFC, 3 caps)
19 Jasmine Adonri (Trailfinders Women, Dartford Valley Rugby Club, 4 caps)
20 Honey Kerslake (Nolli Waterman PDG, Exeter College, 1 cap)
21 Ashton Adcock (Loughborough Lightning, Tamworth, 2 caps)
22 Molly Bunker (Gloucester-Hartpury, Havant RFC, 4 caps)
23 Lauren Bailey (Bristol Bears, Dings Crusaders, 1 cap)
*A limited number of U23 players can be selected to widen playing opportunities on the pathway to full senior honours
England U21 Women’s 2026 Six Nations Series fixtures and results
(Warm-up friendly) Spain senior women 17-29 England U21 Women – Saturday 4th April – Estadio El Pantano, Villajoyosa
Round 1 – Scotland 12-51 England – Saturday 18th April, 11:00 BST kick-off – Hive Stadium, Edinburgh
Round 2 – England 40-41 Ireland – Saturday 2nd May, 15:00 BST kick-off – Nick Newbold Stadium, Coventry
Round 3 – England vs. France – Sunday 10th May, 15:00 BST kick-off – Goldington Road, Bedford
With thanks to the RFU
