He said: “I think it is brilliant that people are talking in that way about this England team. They can see the development, they can see the talent, and they can see the potential that’s in it. The fixtures provide England with what should be a gentle loosener at home to a team they beat 68-14 in Cardiff last year. The Scots have enjoyed the upper hand against England in recent years apart from last season’s 16-15 defeat in London. England have a good scrum, a decent lineout, threats at the breakdown, power in the centre and pace on the edges.

Source: The Irish Times February 01, 2026 17:01 UTC