John Mitchell knew that the Red Roses’ 41-match unbeaten run was going to end at some point. It was just a matter of when.

Mitchell inherited a winning streak that stood at 10 games. He extended it and helped England claim the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 title.

This year, with pregnancies and injuries creating opportunities, Mitchell has brought a number of young players into the Red Roses squad and set the wheels in motion for the 2029 World Cup cycle.

Now, ahead of their 11th Test match of 2026 against the USA Women’s Eagles in New Jersey, England are looking to end a two-match losing streak following back-to-back defeats against Canada.

“I’ve been waiting for it,” Mitchell said. “It’s not something that I make excuses about, but I’ve been waiting for a dip.

“For me, it’s really exciting to get the information that we have. I’ve tried some things as well, and we have been like 60/40 in terms of renewal.

“We’ve got a lot of young players going into their 11th Test match for the year, and we’ve got some outstanding players to come back as well.

“There are a couple of things I’ve tried that haven’t paid off, but it’s a good time to try things. I’m actually okay with that.

“As a result of what we’ve experienced, I’ll find a goal and definitely create a new stimulus in our game and some of our processes.

“I think we’ll also create more accountability away from the environment. All those things augur well in terms of where we want to go next.”

For Friday night’s clash, Mitchell has made six changes to his starting XV.

Holly Aitchison and Flo Robinson form the half-back partnership, while Mackenzie Carson and Maud Muir start at prop. Tatyana Heard comes in at inside centre, and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald takes her place on the wing.

The reshuffled side will be tasked with ending England’s two-match losing streak.

Facing a USA Women’s Eagles side that has won its last five matches will present a significant challenge, particularly with Freda Tafuna in the opposition ranks. The forward has scored seven tries in her last four matches.

Whatever happens on Friday, Mitchell’s attention will soon turn to the next steps for the Red Roses as the rest of the world has begun to close the gap in 2026.

“The main message is not to let a Test match define you,” Mitchell said. “We have a far greater purpose than losing one Test match or a Test series to a very good rugby nation in Canada.

“We have a very clear vision. We’ve also got a very clear philosophy, even though that’s not at the standard we require it to be or as fast as it needs to be.

“What will come from that is the establishment of key behaviours, which will lead to greater accountability among our centrally contracted players and ensure that we continue to grow.”