ENGLAND plan to roll with the punches as they seek out the challenges they need to be ready for the home World Cup later this year.

Over the next six weekends, the Red Roses are aiming to win a seventh successive Women’s Six Nations title and an unprecedented fourth consecutive Grand Slam.

Given they are the highest ranked women’s or men’s team in the history of the sport on the basis of winning 50 of their last 51 matches, extending their dominance of the Championship seems a formality.

But head coach John Mitchell expects there to be bumps in the road ahead as he uses a campaign that begins with Sunday’s opener against Italy in York to fine tune selection.

“In 2024 we were tested and we got some really good learnings, so we’ve got some really good feedback there,” Mitchell said.

“We also had some learnings in 2023 as well so there’s a sprinkling of playing teams that have put us under pressure.

“We want to throw some punches in 2025 but I’m sure we’re going to get a few punches as well in the next few weeks. It’s important that we learn from that as well.”

The number of blow outs in the Six Nations has failed to dent its growing appeal with matches regularly being played in sold out grounds, including an 8,500 full house at the York Community Stadium on Sunday.

England’s visit to Wales on March 29 will take place at the Millennium Stadium and they host France at Twickenham on April 26 in what should be a Grand Slam decider.