University of Worcester Warriors wing Lydia Thompson will win her 54th England cap in Wednesday’s international against Wales at Ashton Gate in Bristol (kick-off 7.30pm).
Thompson returns to the Red Roses’ side for the first time since the Six Nations in April having sat out last weekend’s 52-14 win over USA at Sandy Park, which stretched their winning sequence to 24 matches.
She returns to the side in Bristol as England continue their build-up to the Women’s Rugby World Cup which gets underway in New Zealand next month.
“There were some really strong periods of play against the USA and we are looking to build further on that in this second game against Wales,” said England Head Coach Simon Middleton.
“We are looking forward to our match at Ashton Gate in our final fixture before departing for New Zealand.
“We always said we’d work with a number of players across the two matches and that’s what we’ve done. This is another opportunity for players to perform and show what they can do. This game is about building form, synergy and confidence.
“It’s been a poignant and significant week for the nation. We as a Red Roses player and staff group are privileged to have the chance to pay our respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at this fixture and to acknowledge her 70 years of duty.
“It’s fitting this fixture falls against Wales and I’m sure Wales, like us, want to put on a performance that would have made Her Majesty proud in front of a British crowd.”
England | 15 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins), 14 Lydia Thompson (University of Worcester Warriors), 13 Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning), 12 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning), 11 Sarah McKenna (Saracens), 10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens), 9 Lucy Packer (Harlequins), 1 Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins), 2 Lark Davies (Bristol Bears), 3 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears), 4 Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury), 5 Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears), 6 Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury), 7 Marlie Packer (Saracens), 8 Sarah Hunter (Loughborough Lightning).
Replacements | 16 Amy Cokayne (Harlequins), 17 Hannah Botterman (Saracens), 18 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury), 19 Morwenna Talling (Loughborough Lightning), 20 Poppy Cleall (Saracens), 21 Claudia MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs), 22 Amber Reed (Bristol Bears), 23 Holly Aitchison (Saracens).
- England v Wales will be shown live on ITV4 and ITV Hub.