Alex Matthews, a key figure for England's World Cup-winning squad, has been sidelined for the concluding two matches of the Women's Six Nations. This announcement, made Tuesday, adds another significant absence to the Red Roses' forward line. The shoulder problem will prevent Matthews from participating in the upcoming fixtures against Italy and France.
The team confirmed Matthews' unavailability in a statement detailing the squad selection for the match against Italy in Parma this weekend. This latest setback occurs while England maintains a remarkable unbeaten streak, now standing at 36 consecutive games across all competitions.
Mounting Injuries and Unbeaten Run
Despite a string of injuries to established players, England currently sits atop the Women's Six Nations table. They have secured bonus-point victories in their first three matches against Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The team is chasing its seventh consecutive Six Nations title.
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Matthews' injury was sustained during England's 33-12 win over Ireland in the opening round of the Championship. This is not the first time the player has faced a disruption to her tournament participation; earlier in 2025, she was reportedly banned for three matches, ruling her out of at least the first two rounds of that year's competition.
Team Context and Upcoming Fixtures
The Red Roses are scheduled to face Italy in Parma on Saturday, May 9th. England will then play France in Bordeaux on May 16th. The team has seen a number of other players ruled out due to injury throughout the tournament, including prop Mackenzie Carson, who suffered an ankle injury.
England's head coach, John Mitchell, has previously spoken about a strategy of using two distinct teams to prepare for the upcoming World Cup, which the team is hosting. This approach suggests a wider squad development plan might be in effect, alongside the challenges posed by the current injury list.
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A History of Dominance
England's impressive unbeaten run underscores their consistent performance on the international stage. In their most recent fixture against Scotland on April 18th, they secured a decisive 84-7 victory, showcasing their offensive power. Players like Ellie Kildunne, who scored her 50th try in that match, and Sarah Bern have been prominent figures.
The Women's Six Nations has also seen record attendance figures this season, indicating a growing interest in the sport. England has a formidable record in the tournament, having secured the title for the past six consecutive years.
