England team to face Australia - Alex Matthews to captain Red Roses in final RWC Pool Match

Mitchell highlighted the importance of England's final group stage match, with the Red Roses eyeing up the top spot of Pool A despite already qualifying for the quater-finals “It’s a great opportunity to build on what we’ve already established. We’re looking for a strong performance. Australia have definitely improved since we last played them, and it will be interesting to see whether they kick or run. Either way, they have to play, which is a great opportunity for us.”

Morwenna Talling moves into the back row, with Rose Galligan joining the second row, while wing Jess Breach will earn her 50th cap, having recently scored a hat-trick against Samoa. Breach surpassed her 50th try milestone, as the flyer bagged her 50th, 51st and 52nd scores for her country, upon only her 49th England appearance.

On Breach’s milestone, Mitchell said: “Jess has a unique way of playing the game - she only needs a small amount of space and she'll burn you. What you don’t see is how much she brings people together within the group. She keeps a very good balance between on and off the field, and that’s what makes her so special.”

Breach reflected on her achievement: “It’s an honour to play 50 times for a country and then to be able to do it in my home county, it’s amazing. I think it’s an incredible achievement to go hopefully 50 caps with no losses.”

Alex Matthews discussed taking on the captaincy for the Red Roses: “Nothing really changes - I have been through this before against the USA in Canada, it’s been rehearsed. Although I was taken aback; it’s pretty cool especially in a World Cup. We have a phenomenal leadership group here, I spoke to Abby Dow and told her I wasn’t sure if being captain was really me, but she reassured it is – and that there is enough of us around to support.”

The Red Roses remain unbeaten in Pool A and have already secured a quarter-final place, but the match against Australia will determine the top spot. A win or draw sees England finish first, while a loss could allow Australia to top the pool, depending on the result of their match against Samoa.