Loughborough Lightning’s Emily Scarratt will lead England as they kick off their Summer Nations Series against USA at Sandy Park this Saturday (3 September, kick-off: 3pm).
Head coach Simon Middleton names the 101-time international at outside centre, while Lightning teammates Cath O'Donnell, Sadia Kabeya, Morwenna Talling and Helena Rowland are also amongst the matchday squad.
The Red Roses face the Eagles in their opening Summer Nations Series match on Saturday, 3 September (kick-off: 3pm) with the game live on ITV4 and ITV Hub.
Head coach Middleton said: “We’re really looking forward to this weekend’s game at Sandy Park in front of what’s set to be another big crowd.
“The team have had a brilliant period of preparation since the start of July, the longest run-in we’ve had in pre-season, and have worked tirelessly to ensure we’re in the best possible place.
“This is a really important game for everyone selected in the matchday 23. Sometimes in sport opportunities are limited and with just the two matches before the tournament in New Zealand this is one of those occasions, so it’s important that individually and collectively this team performs to their best on Saturday afternoon.
“We know the USA are a strong side and performed well against Scotland last week. The whole 35-player squad have remained in camp to continue preparations and it’s been a real team effort to prepare for this game.
“There is always a fantastic atmosphere down here in Devon and we hope to put on a show.”
England matchday 23 to play USA
15 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 23 caps)
14 Jess Breach (Saracens, 22 caps)
13 Emily Scarratt (C; Loughborough Lightning, 101 caps)
12 Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 4 caps)
11 Claudia MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 18 caps)
10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 38 caps)
9 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 59 caps)
1 Hannah Botterman (Saracens, 28 caps)
2 Amy Cokayne (Harlequins, 62 caps)
3 Bryony Cleall (Wasps, 6 caps)
4 Rosie Galligan (Harlequins, 6 caps)
5 Cath O’Donnell (Loughborough Lightning, 19 caps)
6 Zoe Aldcroft (VC; Gloucester-Hartpury, 30 caps)
7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 3 caps)
8 Poppy Cleall (Saracens, 55 caps)
Replacements:
16 Connie Powell (Gloucester-Hartpury, 4 caps)
17 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 9 caps)
18 Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins, 26 caps)
19 Morwenna Talling (Loughborough Lightning, 3 caps)
20 Vicky Fleetwood (Saracens, 81 caps)
21 Leanne Infante (Saracens, 51 caps)
22 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 15 caps)
23 Holly Aitchison (Saracens, 8 caps)
