England's Redemption Mission: Ending Scotland's Calcutta Cup Dominance

England are determined to turn the tide against Scotland in the Six Nations, as scrum-half Alex Mitchell expresses the team's collective resolve to end their four-year winless streak in the Calcutta Cup. The stakes are high as England prepare to host Scotland at the Allianz Stadium on February 22, 2025, following a thrilling last-minute victory over France.

A History of Hurt

Scotland have won the last four encounters, and Mitchell acknowledges the pain this has caused within the England camp. "We are hurting for the last four years at not getting a result against Scotland," Mitchell told BBC Sport. "This Six Nations campaign is still up for grabs, so it's a massive game for us."

Quality Opposition

Mitchell emphasized the quality of the Scottish side, with standout individuals who have consistently proven their worth on the field. "We know Scotland are a quality opposition with some quality individuals, so we can't take them for granted," he added. "We know we have to just put a performance out there."

Turning the Tide

England’s recent victory over France, which ended a run of seven defeats against Tier One nations, has injected new energy into the team. Mitchell played a pivotal role in the win, orchestrating a decisive attack that saw Elliot Daly break through the French defense to score the winning try. "The France defense was changing the whole time," Mitchell explained. "We noticed a mismatch in the open, so we shot that way and scored."

Veteran Leadership

Elliot Daly, a seasoned veteran with 70 caps, echoed Mitchell's sentiments. Coming off the bench, Daly's quick thinking and speed were crucial in securing the win. "My initial thoughts were if the maul was going forward, I was going to join it," Daly said. "But it was kind of stopping, so we called our move, and I just tried to get on Fin's shoulder."

Looking Ahead

As England prepare for the clash against Scotland, the focus is clear: reclaim the Calcutta Cup and keep their Six Nations title hopes alive. "The ambition for us now is to try and win the Calcutta Cup," Daly stated. "We have beaten France, but it won't mean anything if we lose next Saturday."

The upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams bringing their best to the iconic Twickenham stadium. For England, it’s not just about winning the game—it’s about ending a period of hurt and reasserting their dominance in one of rugby’s most storied rivalries.