Kildunne Named on England Bench for USA as Mitchell Makes Six Changes

Ellie Kildunne has been named on England's bench for Friday's match against the USA in New Jersey, after head coach John Mitchell made six changes to his side.

Kildunne usually plays at full-back, the player furthest back in the team who often takes high kicks and covers the back line. She lost her place after England's defeat by Canada the previous Saturday, which BBC Sport reported as a 31-22 loss. It was England's first defeat in four years, according to BBC Sport.

Emma Sing keeps her starting spot ahead of Kildunne, so the 67-cap veteran begins on the bench. Kildunne was named World Rugby's player of the year in 2024, which makes her return to the matchday squad a notable call.

The bigger shake-up is up front. Mackenzie Carson and Maud Muir come into the pack, the group of forwards who scrum, ruck and win the ball at the lineout. They replace Hannah Botterman and Sarah Bern, who both move to the bench.

Four players are handed their first starts of the tour. Tatyana Heard, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Flo Robinson and Holly Aitchison all begin against the USA. Mitchell is using the game to look at fresh faces while England reset after the Canada result.

The bench gives Mitchell options for the final quarter. Replacements can come on at any point to swap with a tiring starter, and fresh legs often matter most when a game is tight. The named bench is May Campbell Field, Botterman, Bern, Abbie Short, Alex Matthews, Lucy Hunt, Zoe Harrison and Kildunne.

For Kildunne, the wait for a return to the starting team goes on for now. Her place on the bench still puts her one call away from the action, and England will be looking for a response in New Jersey.