Zoe Aldcroft says “It’s our time now” ahead of World Cup final clash against Canada

England skipper Zoe Aldcroft believes her team is ready to end over a decade of Women’s Rugby World Cup disappointment when they face Canada in Saturday’s final at Twickenham.

“We have been working on this now for three years and it is our time now, we really feel like that,” she said.

The Red Roses come into the match on a record 32-match unbeaten run, having won 62 of their last 63 tests. Their semi-final win over France secured their place in the final, with head coach John Mitchell keeping an unchanged side.

England, who last lifted the trophy in 2014, have been runners-up to New Zealand in five of the last six tournaments.

Coach Mitchell, who joined the England women’s set-up after the 2021 final loss, stressed the importance of balance.

“You’ve got to try not to make it any bigger than it is.” He added that England must respect Canada’s strengths but also exploit opportunities. “To win this tournament, you don’t have to be perfect.”

Canada, ranked second in the world, stunned New Zealand 34-19 in the semi-final, handing the Black Ferns their first World Cup defeat in 11 years.

Aldcroft praised their style, saying: “Their speed of ball is very quick. They’ve just been playing exciting rugby and we are just very excited to go on Saturday.”

A capacity crowd of around 82,000 is expected at Twickenham, setting a new benchmark for women’s rugby.

England XV: Kildunne; Dow, Jones, Heard, Breach; Harrison, Hunt; Botterman, Cokayne, Muir, Talling, Ward, Aldcroft, Kabeya, Matthews.

Reserves: Atkin-Davies, Clifford, Bern, Galligan, Feaunati, L Packer, Aitchison, Rowland.