England thrash Wales 48-7 in Six Nations opener

England 48-7 Wales, Allianz Stadium

England produced a dominant performance to defeat Wales 48-7 in the opening round of the 2026 Six Nations Championship, running in a series of early tries to take control long before half-time.

Early Arundell hat-trick sets tone

England imposed themselves quickly with George Ford directing play confidently from fly-half. His flat pass released Henry Arundell for the opening try inside ten minutes. That came after Ford started the proceedings with a penalty of his own taking the score to 10-0.

Wales’ discipline soon collapsed under pressure. Within minutes both Nicky Smith and Dewi Lake were sin-binned in quick succession, reducing the visitors to 13 players. England capitalised immediately as Ford’s cross-kick found Arundell for his second score.

Ben Earl then powered over from close range in the 23rd minute and moments later Fraser Dingwall gathered a loose offload to send Arundell clear for a first-half hat-trick, securing the bonus point before the half-hour mark.

Wales briefly respond after break

The second half became fragmented with multiple stoppages and substitutions. England extended their momentum into the second half when Tom Roebuck dotted down in the 44th minute after assist from Dingwall before Wales eventually found a reply when Dan Edwards launched a cross-field kick that allowed Josh Adams to score in the corner, reducing the deficit briefly.

England’s bench added fresh momentum. Despite Maro Itoje receiving a yellow card shortly after entering the field, the hosts maintained control.

England finish strongly

England were awarded a penalty try followed after a dangerous challenge halted Henry Pollock close to the line. Late in the match Tommy Freeman added the final score to complete a comprehensive victory.

Team line up:

England: Steward; Roebuck, Freeman, Dingwall, Arundell; Ford, Mitchell; Genge, George, Heyes; Coles, Chessum; Pepper, Underhill, Earl

Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Rodd, Davison, Itoje, T Curry, Pollock, Spencer, M Smith

Wales: Rees-Zammit; Mee, James, Thomas, Adams; Edwards, Williams; Smith, Lake (c), Griffin; Jenkins, Beard; Mann, Macleod, Wainwright

Replacements: Belcher, Carre, Francis, Carter, Plumtree, Deaves, Hardy, Grady