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England need 'full 23-squad effort' against United States, warns head coach Simon Middleton

Getty Images
Getty Images

Head coach Simon Middleton says England will require “a full 23-squad effort” against the United States in their Women’s Rugby World Cup Pool B decider.

Reigning champions England have seen off Spain and Italy so far but the United States have followed suit, meaning a win for either side will put them in the semi-finals.

Middleton, who has made six changes for the clash, said: "This is a winner-takes-all game in terms of topping the pool and will require a full 23-squad effort to get the job done.

"Regardless of whether players have been selected to start or will come on as finishers, everyone has equal weight in the team, fully understands what their role is and what they need to deliver come match day.

"We know playing against USA will be tough, they play a very physical game and have some dangerous players on the ball, but we have prepared well and the squad are in a good place, not only physically but mentally.

"This is a winner takes-all-game in terms of topping the pool and will require a full 23-squad effort to get the job done.”