Canada 31-22 England: No panic for England but Mitchell issues PWR warning
BBC Sport
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By Elizabeth Botcherby, BBC Sport journalist
Published 13 minutes ago
Before England's three-match series against Canada, few would have predicted this outcome.
A 2-0 series defeat for the Red Roses; their record 39-match winning streak and 41-match unbeaten run – stretching back nearly four years – ended; and consecutive losses for the first time since 2016.
Over the past 13 months, Canada have turned a 33-13 defeat in the World Cup final into a statement 31-22 win in Ottawa. And three years out from the 2029 World Cup, they have laid down an early marker of their title credentials.
For the second time in eight days, England captain Meg Jones has been called upon to take stock of a defeat. Once again, she opted for a message of defiance.
"It was a hell of a contest. We're not broken, we just need to grow," said Jones. "Do it together, use the lessons. We're playing the best teams, getting the best punches thrown at us.
"I genuinely believe we've got the best players in the world. When we're firing, generally we're unstoppable. We don't dwell on the past, we're not anxious about the future, we're focused on the present."
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It's true, this is far from panic stations. In 2016, England were the defending world champions when they lost to France and beaten finalists Canada. Since then, they've been imperious, winning a second World Cup, reaching the final in 2017 and 2022, and lifting nine of the past 10 Six Nations titles.
This is only their third defeat in 74 matches, so perspective is required.
But England's performances throughout the WXV Global Series highlighted areas for improvement.
They have lacked their usual clinical edge in attack. In Ottawa, Sarah Bern was held up over the line and England conceded a turnover less than five metres out as they failed to make their dominance pay before the break.
Tellingly, they opted to kick a penalty early in the second half to close the deficit – perhaps a lesson learned from last month's 26-26 draw in Exeter, where they turned down a shot at goal to snatch the win in the dying moments.
In defence, they have conceded 18 tries across their past five matches in the WXV, compared to eight in six at the World Cup. They have trailed at the break three times, something they hadn't experienced since 2020.
Last week, ill-discipline repeatedly gifted Canada field position before a late handling error, which put a clearing kick under pressure, opened the door for the hosts' winning try.
On Friday night, Gabrielle Senft picked off a bouncing ball from a missed pass to set up Canada's second try.