England vow to embrace pressure as they reach Women's World Cup final against Canada

England reached the Women's Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham after a 35-17 victory over France in the semi-final on Saturday, with Ellie Kildunne crossing twice as the Red Roses steadied themselves after a hesitant start and then took control in the final quarter. The win set up a championship showdown with Canada, who shocked New Zealand to reach the final and will provide a stern test for England when the title is decided on home soil.

Kildunne told her teammates there is nothing to fear from the final, saying there is nothing to be scared of — everything the team has done has led to this point and they must back themselves. “There is nothing to be scared of. There is nothing more we can do to be prepared for a World Cup final,” the full-back said after delivering a pair of tries that helped England seal their spot in the title game. England’s victory extended their 32-match winning streak in Test rugby; their last loss came in the 2022 World Cup final to New Zealand. The match also underscored the leadership of a squad that has grown under coach John Mitchell as it chases a first World Cup title on home soil.

Canada, ranked No 2 in the world, produced a shock performance to eliminate New Zealand and reach the final. They had to crowdfund to raise money in support of their World Cup bid, but their march to the championship match demonstrated the depth and ambition in the sport beyond the traditional powerhouses. In remarks that reflected the magnitude of the moment, Kildunne called Canada a “good outfit,” noting that a No 1 vs No 2 clash is compelling for both new and seasoned rugby fans alike and stressing that the work is far from finished.

“Canada are a good outfit. No 1 vs No 2 in the world is a good watch for anyone who wants to get into rugby for the first time or if you are a seasoned watcher,” Kildunne said. “The work is not finished yet.” England captain Zoe Aldcroft echoed the mood, framing the occasion as a privilege while acknowledging the scale of the moment. “Pressure is such a privilege,” she said. “We’ve learned that over the last three years. We’re going to stay calm and cannot wait to get out there for the final. Having a sold-out Twickenham is so special for women’s rugby. This is just the start.”

Kildunne, together with center Meg Jones and prop Hannah Botterman, were among England’s standout performers in the semi-final, providing the spark and the leadership that pushed the Red Roses to the edge of silverware. Their contributions, alongside a steady defensive display and a disciplined attacking plan, helped England gain the upper hand after a flat opening period and overturn a 0-0 stalemate into a convincing 35-17 win.

The semi-final capped what supporters and administrators have long hoped would be a watershed year for women’s rugby in England. England’s performance reinforced the team’s status as a global title contender, while Canada’s run to the final underscored the game’s increasingly competitive landscape. If England can complete the task on September 27, they would become the first senior England rugby side to win a World Cup on home soil, a milestone that would mark a historic high point for the sport in the country.

The final is scheduled for Saturday, September 27 at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, with a 4 p.m. kickoff broadcast on BBC1. Organizers expect a world-record crowd for a women’s match, underscoring the growing enthusiasm for the sport and the moment’s significance as England, Canada and the rest of the rugby world turn their attention to a potential homegrown triumph.